A man from Yorkshire has won compensation of £6,000 after being diagnosed with hearing loss related to working in noisy conditions.

Oswald Grant, 73, worked for a company producing metal products between 1963 and 1997. After initially working as a pump operator, he later became a crane driver and was exposed to excessive levels of noise from the machinery used in the area where the cranes were loaded.

It was often so loud that he could not make himself heard over the noise and had to use hand signals to communicate with his colleagues. Despite this, he was not provided with ear protection until he had worked for the company for some years. The damage to his hearing could easily have been avoided if ear protection had been provided earlier.

In addition, Mr Grant now suffers from tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing noise commonly caused by noise-induced hearing loss, in both ears. He finds it difficult to talk with his children and grandchildren on the telephone, and has trouble holding conversations and hearing the television.

He sought compensation for his injuries from his former employer, and has now secured a £6,000 payout.

Detailed guidance on noise at work can be found on the website of the Health and Safety Executive.