Making a Noise About Health & Safety

Colas is committed to making sure the health, wellbeing and safety of every employee is our first priority. This year as part of the Colas Global Safety Week, our directors are going on a weeklong roadshow to our UK locations.

2019 is all about noise

This year, the Colas Global Safety Week is focusing on noise. Noise is part of everyday life and cannot be avoided but too much can cause permanent and disabling hearing damage. It’s estimated that in the UK there are more than 10 million individuals with some degree of hearing impairment or deafness and that over 2 million workers are at risk of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) or tinnitus (a permanent sensation of noise and ringing in the ears). These can be caused by prolonged exposure to noise or a sudden burst of noise.

NIHL is the most common preventable occupational health condition in the world. It is permanent, and cannot be cured. It can however be avoided, if the correct steps are taken by both the employer and employee. Safety is the number one priority for Colas globally, and here in the UK we ensure that our colleagues have the appropriate equipment to protect themselves, including ear protection where necessary. This week we want to ensure that all of our colleagues are fully aware of the risk of exposure to noise and that they make sure that their equipment is properly maintained and that any noise reduction measures, such as pneumatic silencers, are kept in place.

Noise facts

• Noise is defined as unwanted sounds and anyone who is exposed to noise is potentially at risk
• Noise-induced hearing loss is considered the 15th most serious health problem in the world
• NIHL is the most common preventable occupational health condition in the world
• Noise not only effects our ears , it has additional side effects including fatigue, insomnia, high blood pressure, stress and desocialisation

As we make a noise about Health & Safety at Colas this week, we will be highlighting how our supply chain support our safety efforts, how we work to reduce noise in the communities we work in and how we win awards for our approach to safety.