Acute levels of noise in factories, workshops and warehouses are impeding productivity, according to new research which also shows that two in three workers (66%), rising to 70% of forklift drivers, said workplace noise is an issue.

Despite the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 coming into effect 36 years ago, the survey findings suggest on-site decibels from machinery and vehicles are causing a decline in output, as well as impacting worker wellbeing.

The research focuses on the concerns of employees, particularly those working in loud manufacturing and logistics environments. Some 250 employers and 500 employees took part in the study, which revealed the majority of workplace settings simply aren’t cut out for dealing with mechanical and vehicular noise.

Over half of those surveyed (52%) said that their working environment is either not well (23%) or not very well designed (29%), to do their jobs safely. One in six (16%) say their building has neither been constructed nor significantly refurbished in the last 10 years suggesting outdated occupational design.

The research shows the impact excessive noise at work can have on employee actions. Almost a quarter (23%) of employees surveyed have snapped at a co-worker, whilst the same percentage (23%) have snapped at a manager due to excessive noise.

In addition, a fifth (20%) of employees surveyed have resorted to physical violence, whilst the same percentage (20%) have quit their job, and just under a fifth (19%) of employees surveyed have made a formal complaint due to excessive noise at work.

Respondents commonly reported negative health effects due to high noise levels, such as headaches (26%), hearing difficulties/tinnitus/hearing loss (25%), and stress/anxiety (24%).

The two biggest noise bugbears were heavy machinery and a lack of noise control. Two in five workers (40%) agreed these elements were the most frustrating aspects of workplace noise. Unsurprisingly, a quarter of staff (25%) were delivering poor quality work as a result of high noise levels at work.

The research also flags a perceived lack of empathy amongst employers. A significant portion of employees questioned (35%) felt a complaint would have “no influence on management to address the matter.”

What’s also clear is that bosses largely remain in the dark about the issue. When asked if they recognise how noise in their work environment can lead to a variety of health issues, the percentage that understood potential health implications never rose above a third. This is despite half of employers (49%) believing that acoustic design is important in the workplace.

Less than three in ten (28%) had introduced protective equipment such as ear defenders but these can pose other health and safety risks, with employees not being able to hear important warning signals and oncoming vehicles.

For more information on managing noise please contact: simonbrentnall@bfff.co.uk