Machine Operator Wins Further Damages for Hearing Loss

A woman whose hearing was damaged as a result of exposure to excessive levels of noise at work has won just over £1,200 in compensation from one of her former employers. This comes on top of an earlier settlement of £2,700 from a different employer.

Mrs Jones had worked as a machine operator at a factory in Hirwaun, Mid Glamorgan, for around five years. During her shifts, she was exposed to noise generated by paper-making and packing machinery and conveyors. The company she worked for did not warn her of the dangers posed to her hearing by working in a noisy environment and failed to provide her with any hearing protection.

Mrs Jones now suffers from mild noise-induced hearing loss and moderate tinnitus. Tinnitus is a common symptom of hearing damage and is usually perceived as a ringing in the ears: this can be very distressing, distracting the sufferer from everyday activities and sometimes making it difficult to sleep.

Mrs Jones brought a personal injury claim against the company and an out-of-court settlement of £1,292.50 was agreed. She had previously made a successful claim against another of her former employers and has a further claim ongoing.