Deafness risk to staff from 24hr drinking
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.More than half a million people risk permanent hearing damage by working in dangerously noisy conditions, campaigners have warned.
It is feared that changes to the licensing laws that come into force on 25 November, allowing 24-hour opening, will mean staff in bars, clubs and pubs will be exposed to excessive noise for longer periods of time.
RNID, the charity for deaf and hard of hearing people, and the TUC fear extended opening will mean the 568,000 people working in the industry will be exposed to music so loud they could lose or permanently damage their hearing.
RNID, which represents the nine million people, and the TUC are urging employers to protect workers' hearing. Excessive noise in the workplace has already caused half a million people in Britain to suffer deafness or other ear complaints.
Brian Lamb, from the RNID, said: "Noise-at-work issues are usually associated with industries such as manufacturing and construction. However, with more licensed premises opening longer and playing loud, amplified music, staff working in bars, clubs and pubs might not realise their hearing is being put at high risk. Since noise-induced hearing loss is not immediately obvious, its threat is seldom ... taken seriously."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments