Call Centre Workers Compo Call Answered

Industrial deafness is an incurable disease. It not only occurs in the traditionally noisy industries such as construction, it is also prevalent in the new technology industries such as call centres.

According to experts in the field of industrial deafness, the current methods of hearing protection such as ear muffs and plugs are about as effective as filters on cigarettes.

The only way to protect workers is to reduce the noise levels they say.

These experts say there is new evidence that may lead the way for call centre workers to obtain workers' compensation.

Acoustic Engineer and Consultant, David Eden, says there is evidence available to support workers who have developed hearing damage from headsets.

David has provided expert advice on noise levels and safe systems of work to solicitors representing industrial deafness cases in the District Court. Three of the cases involved Telecom workers and 'shrieks' from headsets.

"One 'shriek' can cause instantaneous deafness," he says.
"There were a $100 million dollars worth of claims for hearing loss last year - and this is on the increase. Clearly the regulations are not protecting workers.'

"There have been only two prosecutions against employers who
breach noise laws and this was between 1979 and 1997. "

The Labor Council's watchdog, Mary Yaager, says WorkCover
Authority has to get tough and mount a campaign to ensure employers do something about noise at work.

Prevention is the only answer as there is no cure she says.

Mary will also be calling on the government to introduce a code of practice for the call centre industry. She will request that within this code, there is a requirement to provide headsets that will not cause damage to hearing.

For further information

Contact	:	Mary Yaager
Phone	:	02 9264 1691
Email	:	m.yaager@labor.org.au
WWW	:	http://ohs.labor.net.au/

[ up to OHS NET News/Info Index ]

Privacy Statement
OHS NET is supported by the Workcover Authority of NSW.
Photos kindly supplied by National Occupational Health & Safety Commission.

This site was created and powered by Social Change Online