We specialise in work-related noise-induced hearing loss claims. Our expert lawyers can help you pursue industrial deafness compensation on a no win, no loss basis.
Millner and knight have two conveniently located Perth offices within walking distance from the city bus and train stations. If you’re driving here there’s plenty of on-street parking and a number of multistorey car parks in the immediate vicinity.
12/17 Prowse St, West Perth WA 6005 – Get Directions
St Martins, Tower, Level 27/44 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000 – Get Directions
To book an appointment please call 08 6206 8080.
Our work injury experts offer free impartial advice and will not pressure you into taking things further.
Industrial deafness
If you’re suffering from employment-related hearing loss you might be able to make an industrial deafness claim.
Under section 18 of the 2008 Workplace Safety Act, all employers must prevent or reduce risks to hearing from exposure to noise in the workplace.
Employers have a duty of care to provide you with the correct training and personal protective equipment such as earmuffs, which includes protecting you from high levels of noise.
If your employer has been negligent protecting your hearing and you have become deaf because of inadequate training or lack of hearing protection, the lawyers at Millner and Knight can assist you in claiming for industrial deafness.
Causes of industrial deafness
Exposure to loud machinery in the workplace is a major cause of hearing loss in the workplace.
Also, exposure to loud music for long periods of time can also lead to industrial deafness. Industrial deafness among nightclub crowd controllers, bartenders and other staff is higher than the general population.
If you work in a nightclub you could be exposed to between 90 to 125
decibels, that is similar to the noise generated by a jackhammer. It’s nearly
eight times more than the level that requires hearing protection in heavy
industries.
Employers should, therefore, conduct risk assessments and provide hearing protection if their staff work in noise-saturated environments.
Other occupations where workers are at high risk of industrial deafness include FIFO mining and factories where heavy machinery is used.
Military personnel are exposed to loud, percussive bursts (such as gunfire or incendiary ordnance) which pose a significant risk of industrial deafness.
Meanwhile, those working in the transport sector may also encounter persistent loud noise, for example from planes and trains.
If you work in a noisy environment your employer should have policies and procedures protecting you against industrial-caused deafness.
If your employer has been deficient in this regard, and you’ve suffered hearing loss as a result, you should be able to make a compensation claim.
Excessive noise – quantifying excessive and harmful noise levels
The amount of noise, persistence of high noise and exposure to industrial deafness varies from person to person.
However, there are specific guidelines that state how much noise and the type of noise is dangerous to our health.
As a simple test, if you require a raised voice above a conversational level (60 decibels, or dB) to speak to another person 30-50cm away, this indicates a high amount of ambient noise.
The risk of suffering from industrial deafness is contingent on the level of exposure to noise and the duration.
If you’ve been exposed to industrial or high levels of noise at no fault of your own, ring Millner and Knight and find out whether you can make a “no win no fee” claim today.
Do you experience symptoms of industrial deafness?
Below are some of the most common symptoms of industrial deafness, though is not an exhaustive list:
Tinnitus:
Sufferers of tinnitus hear a continuous or intermittent ringing, buzzing or humming noise. One can develop tinnitus through long-term exposure to noise in the workplace or other loud environments. People that suffer from tinnitus often say it sounds like they have a wasp or flying insect of such type in stuck in their ear.
Acoustic trauma:
Is when the inner ear is physically injured, such as a perforated eardrum. Trauma is present in single loud bursts, such as an explosion. Acoustic trauma is a form of industrial deafness that we often help military personnel claim compensation for
Trouble hearing:
This can include temporary loss of hearing, muffled hearing and difficulty hearing high-pitched noises. This isn’t as severe as other forms of industrial deafness, but it can hamper day to day communication.
Permanent deafness:
This occurs after prolonged exposure to excessive noise. Industrial deafness doesn’t just affect the elderly. Young people can also suffer from any of the above symptoms, including tinnitus. If you work in high noise environments, you should be wearing hearing protection at all times.
How much compensation can I get?
If you believe you’ve been unfairly impacted by industrial deafness and your hearing loss was the result of negligence, we can find restitution for you in the form of compensation.
The amount of compensation you’re awarded for an industrial deafness claim is like any other work accident claim. The amount will depend on a number of factors such as severity, impairment and physical harm.
Find out how much industrial injuries compensation you could be owed by using our injury claims calculator here.
Your lawyer will look at the level of hearing loss you have suffered and the amount of earnings you’re liable to have lost as a result of your hearing loss.
If you’re suffering from hearing loss and would like to know more about gaining compensation, call us or request a call back using one of our online forms.
What to do next
There are two ways in which you can get the ball rolling with your compensation either call our personal injury lawyers or start your claim online.
Remember all calls are confidential and we will never pressure you into starting a claim with us.
