HSE inspections highlight serious gaps in protecting workers from excessive noise

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has raised concerns following its latest inspection campaign, which uncovered widespread failings in how employers protect workers from excessive noise on construction sites and across other industries.

The findings revealed that many employees are still being put at risk of long-term hearing damage. According to the inspection results:

• 75% of employees lacked basic knowledge on storing, checking or reporting faults with hearing protection.
• 63% had not been told that ear protection must be worn continuously when exposed to noise.
• 80% had never received instruction on how to wear hearing protection correctly.
• 95% of employers had not checked whether workers could still hear vital warning signals while using protective equipment.

HSE is urging employers to adopt its CUFF system to improve workplace practice. This simple approach helps assess whether hearing protection is effective by focusing on four key points:

• Condition – ensuring the equipment is intact and undamaged.
• Use – making sure protection is worn whenever required.
• Fit the ear – checking that equipment is worn properly.
• Fit for purpose – confirming the specification is suitable for the task and environment.

For construction professionals, including those working in concrete repair, excessive noise remains a persistent risk. With power tools, demolition methods and repair processes often generating hazardous levels of noise, the message is clear: effective hearing protection must be prioritised and monitored.

In addition to the noise campaign, HSE has also announced the launch of its 2026 Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) Risk-Reduction Through Design Awards. Marking ten years of recognising innovation in workplace safety, the awards highlight employers who have made impactful changes to reduce the risk of MSDs. Entries are open to all UK employers, with categories for both large organisations and SMEs (under 250 employees). The deadline for submissions is 31 January 2026.

HSE is also seeking feedback on its Planning Advice Web App, which provides guidance on land use planning and hazardous substances consent. Users are encouraged to complete a short survey to help improve the service.

Recent enforcement actions have again underlined the importance of robust site management, with fines issued following incidents involving unsafe temporary works and failures to protect the public from falling materials.

For more details, including case studies, training opportunities and upcoming events, visit the HSE website.