Conference to Raise the Volume on the Dangers of Acoustic Shock in the Workplace

An Acoustic Shock is a random frequency surge delivered via a headset, caused by a sudden spike of noise that will damage the human ear. Symptoms can range from a ringing in the ear or Tinnitus to permanent damage of the inner ear affecting hearing or even the organic mechanisms of balance. It contributes to the high levels of absenteeism and staff attrition in the call centre industry.

A major conference will bring together experts in the field of acoustic safety at work from the scientific, medical, and legal communities to discuss the controversial subject of acoustic shock.

Acoustic Safety ProgrammeThe Acoustic Safety Programme Conferences, being held on November 7 and 11 at the Government's National Physical Laboratory (a state-of-the-art scientific research centre in Teddington, London), aims to raise awareness of acoustic shock and introduce solutions to those in the call centre industry and the general public.

Current figures show 4% of the UK workforce are employed in call centres, and an RNID survey of 15 of these call centres found that 30% of their staff suffered from tinnitus.

Despite the availability of equipment and solutions that affords call centre workers protection from acoustic shock, some employers and headset manufacturers refuse to recognise the condition.

Speakers at the conference include; Marcus Quilter, Chairman, Acoustic Safety Conference; Richard Barham, Principal Research Scientist, National Physical Laboratory; David Joyce, Communication Workers Union National Health, Safety and Environment Officer; Keith Broughton, former HM Principal Specialist Inspector Noise and Vibration; Hugh Robertson, Senior Policy Officer TUC; Dr. Andrew Graham-Cumming, Specialist Consultant Occupational Physician; Dr. Amir Nooral, Specialist Acoustics Engineer; Adrian Fawden, Specialist Acoustics Injury Lawyer, Simpson Millar Solicitors.

see: Acoustic Shock website

source: CWU News Release

 
 
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