Workplace noise is one of those risks that quietly chips away at people over time, often unnoticed until it’s too late. Yet despite nearly two decades of regulation, it’s still being misunderstood, underestimated, and poorly managed in far too many Organisations. This episode, taken from a Safety Roundtable session, features Gill Cussons sharing practical insights on why noise risk still isn’t being handled well and what we should be doing differently. What really stood out is how often we confuse “not sounding that bad” with “not being harmful” and how everyday habits, both inside and outside of work, are compounding the issue.
Highlights
- Noise risk underestimated: long-term exposure often ignored
- Hearing aids misconception: not a fix for damage
- Compliance mindset problem: action stops after assessment
- Exposure matters most: not just loudest source
- Everyday noise impact: cumulative across work and life
- Overprotection risk: reduces awareness and compliance
- Poor implementation gap: reports without real change
- Start with basics: fix sources before relying on PPE
Resources and actions:
- Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/
- Connect with Gill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillcussons/
- Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/
