Labour inspectorate checks deafening work in discos

Press release Ministry SZW 18 May 2009

In the coming months, the Labour Inspectorate will check whether discotheques adequately protect their staff from excessive noise. Bartenders, glass collectors, security staff and DJs who often work in loud music are at high risk of irreparable hearing damage. Hearing problems usually develop slowly and once hearing is damaged, it does not recover. Because mainly young people work in discotheques, the effect of hearing damage is especially great: they are affected for life.

The inspectors check whether there are agreements on the maximum noise level in the venue. They also check whether the bar is properly separated from the dance floor so that staff can work in areas where the noise is lower. Employers must give their staff hearing protectors that reduce noise in the ear to a maximum of 80 decibels and ensure that staff wear them. Another inspection point is education: it is important that staff receive good information about the dangers of noise and how to avoid becoming deaf. Previous research by the Labour Inspectorate found that discotheques pay little structural attention to good working conditions.

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