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News Desk | News Story
17th March 2010
Ferry workers warned about hearing risks
Diagnosed with Occupational Deafness
An RMT member who was exposed to dangerous levels of noise by his employer has been compensated following help from Thompsons Solicitors.
Peter Hall, 49, from Liverpool has received a substantial sum in damages after suffering from occupational deafness while working on the vehicle decks of ferries.
Peter is now warning other RMT members who worked in the ferry industry to consider having their hearing tested as he believes many will have been affected by the working conditions.
Peter's hearing became damaged while working for Stena Line in Holyhead for 18 years.
He worked on the car decks loading and unloading lorries which were crossing the Irish Sea.
Not provided with any ear protection
He was never provided with protection for his ears while working in an enclosed space among engine noise.
He knew he had hearing difficulties for ten years before he went to the doctor where it was confirmed.
He raised the problem with the union and they instructed Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation.
Stena Line denied liability but Thompsons secured a settlement out of court.
Hearing loss is a common problem in heavy industrial workplaces
Peter said: "I knew I had hearing difficulties for a long time but only did something about it when it got so bad I couldn't ignore it anymore. Even when I was diagnosed I put it down to getting older but when I started working for the union I realised my hearing was never protected while at Stena and decided to pursue compensation.
"I reckon that there are many former ferry industry workers who suffer from hearing loss but have not considered that it may have been caused by their work."
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "Hearing loss affects many of our members working in noisy environments and like Peter they often put it down to getting older. As Peter’s case shows members who have worked in a noisy environment and who have been diagnosed with hearing problems should get in touch."
Matthew Tollitt from Thompsons Solicitors added: "Hearing loss is a common problem in heavy industrial work places and typically follows work alongside or with high decibel tools. Here the combination of working in an enclosed space and engine noise should have caused the employer’s to provide ear protection for Mr Hall, their failure to do so meant they were responsible for his deafness."
Compensation Claim Advice
If you or someone you know has developed occupational deafness or any other industrial illness, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury claim, including claims for occupational deafness. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim for occupational deafness in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your industrial deafness, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.
Contact us about your accident or injury
Call us for free on 08000 224 224 Call us from your mobile on 0330 123 123 0 (charged at local number and free when covered by inclusive minutes) Request a call back Text CLAIM to 82010 (standard network rates apply)
