Noise at Work: Your rights, legal limits

If you are exposed to loud noise at work, you may already be at risk of permanent hearing damage — and your employer may be legally required to act immediately.

This guide explains exactly what noise at work means, what the legal limits are, and what steps you should take right now if your workplace is too loud.

What is the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 is a UK law designed to protect workers from hearing damage caused by excessive noise levels at work.

It focuses on three key principles:

1. Prevent exposure where possible
2. Control exposure when it cannot be avoided
3. Protect workers through equipment and monitoring

This law applies across multiple industries including:

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Warehousing
• Engineering
• Entertainment and hospitality

What is the legal noise limit at work

The law sets specific noise thresholds that trigger employer responsibilities.

Key noise levels at work:

• 80 decibels (dB) – lower action level
• 85 decibels (dB) – upper action level
• 87 decibels (dB) – maximum exposure limit

What happens at each noise level

At 80 dB (lower action level)

Your employer must:

• Assess the risk
• Provide information and training
• Offer hearing protection (if requested)

At 85 dB (upper action level)

Your employer must:

• Provide hearing protection (mandatory availability)
• Implement noise control measures
• Mark hearing protection zones
• Ensure protection is worn

At 87 dB (maximum limit)

This is the absolute legal maximum.

Exposure above this level is not permitted.

Employers must take immediate action to reduce exposure below this threshold.

What are the maximum noise levels at work

The maximum noise levels at work are strictly controlled.

Workers must not be exposed to more than 87 dB, taking into account hearing protection.

If your workplace regularly exceeds this:

• It may be unlawful
• Your employer may be failing in their duty
• You could be at serious health risk

How to Recognise Dangerous Noise in the Workplace

You may be exposed to unsafe noise levels if:

• You have to shout to be heard at close range
• Your ears ring after work (tinnitus)
• You experience muffled hearing
• Machinery noise feels overwhelming or constant
• You feel fatigue or headaches after shifts

These are early warning signs of damage.

Do not ignore them.

What your employer must do to control noise at work

Under the regulations, employers must take practical steps to reduce noise exposure.

This includes:

• Replacing noisy equipment with quieter alternatives
• Installing sound barriers or enclosures
• Isolating noisy machinery
• Rotating staff to reduce exposure time
• Maintaining equipment properly
• Providing suitable hearing protection

Simply handing out earplugs is not enough.

Employers must actively reduce noise at its source wherever possible.

What if your employer is not following noise regulations

If your employer is ignoring noise levels at work, you should act.

Step-by-step action plan:

Step 1: Raise the issue internally

Report the problem to:

• Your manager
• Health and safety officer
• HR department

Ask specifically:

• Has a noise risk assessment been carried out?
• What are the recorded noise levels?

Step 2: Document everything

Keep a record of:

• Noise levels (if known)
• Dates and times of exposure
• Symptoms (ringing ears, discomfort)
• Any conversations or complaints

This evidence is critical.

Step 3: Request protection

You can request:

• Hearing protection
• Reduced exposure
• A safer working arrangement

This is your right under workplace safety law.

Step 4: Escalate if necessary

If nothing changes:

• The issue may need formal escalation
• External reporting may be required

Can you refuse to work due to noise at work

In serious cases, yes.

If noise levels pose an immediate and serious risk to your health, you may have grounds to refuse unsafe work.

However, this must be approached carefully and supported with evidence.

Can you claim compensation for noise damage

Yes.

If you have suffered hearing damage due to excessive noise in the workplace, you may be entitled to compensation.

This includes:

• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus
• Long-term auditory damage

To succeed in a claim, you must show:

• Exposure to unsafe noise levels
• Employer failure to act
• Medical evidence of damage

Real workplace scenario

A warehouse worker exposed to constant machinery noise above 85 dB reported ringing in their ears after every shift.

No hearing protection was provided.

After raising concerns, no action was taken.

Over time, the worker developed permanent tinnitus.

This is exactly the type of situation the law is designed to prevent.

Why this matters for UK workers

Noise at work is often ignored until damage has already occurred.

The reality is:

• Hearing loss is permanent
• Early symptoms are often dismissed
• Many workplaces fail to act until challenged

Understanding your rights early can prevent long-term harm.

What you should do next

If you are concerned about noise levels at work:

1. Identify the risk
2. Raise it immediately
3. Document everything
4. Request protection
5. Seek further guidance if ignored

Do not wait until symptoms worsen.

How The Workers Union supports you

The Workers Union provides clear, practical guidance to help you:

• Understand your rights under noise at work regulations
• Take the correct steps to protect yourself
• Build evidence if your employer is failing in their duty
• Navigate workplace issues confidently

If you are dealing with unsafe noise in the workplace, early action is critical.

Final word

Noise at work is not just an inconvenience — it is a serious workplace risk.

The law is clear.

Your employer must act.

If they do not, you must.