Former Steelworker Wins Compensation for Hearing Loss

A former steelworker who suffered hearing loss as a result of working in a noisy work environment has won more than £4,000 in compensation.

Kenneth Clarkson, 79, was exposed to high levels of noise whilst working at two different steel companies. At one, it was because he worked with cranes and forklift trucks, and at the other it was because he worked alongside noisy machinery as he carried out his job as a senior warehouseman.

Mr Clarkson was never warned about the potential damage to his hearing of constant exposure to loud noises, nor was he provided with hearing protection. It is surprisingly easy to get used to high noise levels without realising the damaging effect prolonged exposure is having on one’s hearing.

As a result of his working conditions, Mr Clarkson is now partially deaf and has to wear a hearing aid. He finds his impairment distressing and frustrating.

After a claim was brought against his former employers, a compensation settlement of £4,710 was agreed. This is to cover the cost of Mr Clarkson’s hearing aids and the other changes that he has been forced to make to his daily routines in order to accommodate his disability.

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