In a bustling manufacturing facility, the constant hum of machinery might seem like business as usual. But hidden within this industrial symphony lurks a serious threat to your workforce’s health and safety. Recent studies show that over 70% of manufacturing workers are exposed to noise levels that could cause permanent hearing damage – and noise is just the beginning of the story.
At Total Environmental Compliance (TEC), a PTSG company, we’re seeing a disturbing trend: manufacturers focusing on obvious safety hazards while overlooking invisible threats that can devastate their workforce’s long-term health.
The True Cost of Invisible Hazards
A single employee suffering from noise-induced hearing loss can cost your business upwards of £100,000 in compensation. But the real costs go far deeper:
- Lost productivity from affected workers
- Increased accident rates due to compromised communication
- Higher staff turnover in high-noise areas
- Regulatory fines and legal expenses
- Reputational damage affecting recruitment
Your Legal Obligations
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 isn’t just another box to tick. It’s a legal requirement that could make or break your business. If you’re operating equipment that exposes workers to noise, you must:
- Conduct suitable and sufficient noise risk assessments
- Take action when noise reaches the lower exposure action value
- Implement control measures to protect workers
- Regularly monitor and document noise levels
Beyond Noise: A Hidden Web of Hazards
But here’s what many manufacturers don’t realise – noise is just one piece of a complex environmental puzzle. Your facility might also be harbouring:
Airborne Threats Through our Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) testing, we regularly uncover dangerous levels of:
- Metal dust from grinding operations
- Chemical vapours from painting processes
- Welding fumes with carcinogenic properties
- Fine particulates that bypass standard masks
Under The Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010, your processes might be releasing:
- Unmonitored pollutants
- Excess carbon emissions
- Regulated substances requiring permits
- Compounds affecting local air quality
The TEC Solution: Comprehensive Protection
We deliver a holistic approach to environmental hazard management:
- Advanced Assessment
- State-of-the-art noise monitoring equipment
- HSE-validated testing methodologies
- Real-time data collection and analysis
- Comprehensive risk mapping
- Practical Solutions
- Engineering control recommendations
- Cost-effective mitigation strategies
- Implementation support
- Ongoing monitoring programs
- Complete Compliance
- Detailed documentation
- Regular reviews and updates
- Permit management
- Legal compliance verification
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
Don’t wait for a workplace illness claim or regulatory inspection to highlight these hidden risks. Here’s what you can do today:
- Schedule a comprehensive environmental assessment with our experts
- Get your LEV systems professionally tested
- Review your stack emissions compliance
- Protect your workforce and your business
Contact PTSG today for a no-obligation consultation and discover how we can help you create a safer, compliant, and more productive manufacturing environment.
