EU prepares for better protection of 60 million workers exposed to noise
News release - 05.10.2005
In the run-up to the final date for the entry into force of the new European directive on noise at work in February 2006, experts from across Europe explain how to contain workplace noise and prevent resulting health problems
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work in a magazine entitled ‘Noise at Work’ has just published an account of their work. The magazine gives a view of the research and experiences in tackling workplace noise in a number of EU countries and sectors. It is part of the 'Stop That Noise!' campaign being run by the Agency in more than 30 European countries. The campaign's major events will take place during the European Week for Safety and Health at Work, from 24 to 28 October 2005.
'The need to 'stop that noise' is evident' explains Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. 'Noise-induced hearing loss is amongst the most commonly reported occupational diseases in the European Union. In addition noise can cause work related stress and lead to accidents. The range of jobs and workplaces where noise can be a problem is much broader than is commonly thought and includes besides farms, building work, factories and shipyards also classrooms, drivers, clubs and bars, musicians and call-centre staff.''
The magazine describes the new directive and how it has to be implemented. There are articles covering noise in schools, offices, and concert halls. For musicians, for instance, good hearing is essential for making a living. Yet, as a Finnish study shows, almost half have experienced hyperacusis, a medical condition in which even normal sounds are perceived as intolerable and may cause acute pain. Other issues discussed include effective acoustic design, special needs of workers with disabilities, personal hearing protection, a good practice manual and a step by step approach to noise at work.
The magazine can be downloaded free of charge from the campaign's website: http://ew2005.osha.europa.eu .
Ends
Press enquiries:
Marek Kosarczyn, Press Officer, European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, email: kosarczyn@osha.europa.eu, tel: +34 94 479 43 86.
Other enquiries:
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Via 33, E-48009 Bilbao, Spain,
email: information@osha.europa.eu, fax: +34 94 479 4383.
Notes to editors:
1. The English version of the magazine 'Noise at Work' can be downloaded directly from http://agency.osha.europa.eu/publications/magazine/8/en/index.htm . The magazine will also be available in French, German and Spanish.
2. Complete information pack on noise at work and the campaign is available in the campaign's online press office at http://ew2005.osha.europa.eu/pressroom/ .
3. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work was set up by the European Union to help meet the information needs in the field of occupational safety and health. Based in Bilbao, Spain, the Agency aims to improve the lives of people at work by stimulating the flow of technical, scientific and economic information between all those involved in occupational safety and health issues.
'The need to 'stop that noise' is evident' explains Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. 'Noise-induced hearing loss is amongst the most commonly reported occupational diseases in the European Union. In addition noise can cause work related stress and lead to accidents. The range of jobs and workplaces where noise can be a problem is much broader than is commonly thought and includes besides farms, building work, factories and shipyards also classrooms, drivers, clubs and bars, musicians and call-centre staff.''
The magazine describes the new directive and how it has to be implemented. There are articles covering noise in schools, offices, and concert halls. For musicians, for instance, good hearing is essential for making a living. Yet, as a Finnish study shows, almost half have experienced hyperacusis, a medical condition in which even normal sounds are perceived as intolerable and may cause acute pain. Other issues discussed include effective acoustic design, special needs of workers with disabilities, personal hearing protection, a good practice manual and a step by step approach to noise at work.
The magazine can be downloaded free of charge from the campaign's website: http://ew2005.osha.europa.eu .
Ends
Press enquiries:
Marek Kosarczyn, Press Officer, European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, email: kosarczyn@osha.europa.eu, tel: +34 94 479 43 86.
Other enquiries:
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Via 33, E-48009 Bilbao, Spain,
email: information@osha.europa.eu, fax: +34 94 479 4383.
Notes to editors:
1. The English version of the magazine 'Noise at Work' can be downloaded directly from http://agency.osha.europa.eu/publications/magazine/8/en/index.htm . The magazine will also be available in French, German and Spanish.
2. Complete information pack on noise at work and the campaign is available in the campaign's online press office at http://ew2005.osha.europa.eu/pressroom/ .
3. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work was set up by the European Union to help meet the information needs in the field of occupational safety and health. Based in Bilbao, Spain, the Agency aims to improve the lives of people at work by stimulating the flow of technical, scientific and economic information between all those involved in occupational safety and health issues.
