Surveillance Audiometry for Food Production, Processing & Packaging
Surveillance Audiometry for workers in Food Production, Processing and Packaging
The UK is a world leader in food production and processing, with some of the highest food production standards anywhere.
Whether a large food-producer or a boutique SME making divine nibbles, noise at work is a common feature of making food. This reflects combination of machinery, processes and manual work that go into to create the perfect yummy morsel.
In addition, the distinct pressures of the supply chain and requirements of customers to the food industry, make proving hearing tests – traditionally – challenging.
Health Wizard at Work is proud to support a number of food producers where we provide easier, faster, low cost access to hearing tests in many languages on a totally flexible 24/7 basis, which means our clients reduce appointment “did not arrive” rates and costs per test, whilst improving compliance.
Noise at Work in the Food Sector
Sources & complications of Noise in Food Manufacturing
- Chillers & blowers
- Cookers
- Extraction
- Conveyors & mixers (“McIntyres”)
- Pallet trucks & trolleys
Hearing tests in food manufacturing sites are challenging because:
- 24/7 site operation & multiple shifts make staff scheduling difficult
- High “did not arrive” & appointment cancellation rates
- High staff numbers mean hearing tests are a never ending task
- Agency staff means there are always new staff to assess
- High hygiene areas restrict staff availability for hearing test
- Restricted sites limit outside contractor access
Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)
NIHL is irreversible damage to the delicate structures of the ear caused by exposure to loud noise. It is the second most common cause of hearing loss and is the most common industrial disease.
According to the RNID, tinnitus can be a first sign that your hearing has been damaged by noise.
Causes
NIHL causes damage to the hearing mechanisms within the inner. NIHL is caused by exposure to noise:
How Health Wizard at Work can help
Health Wizard at Work is the easiest workplace hearing test for staff anywhere at any time of day. Our test is fully portable, comprehensive and simple to operate, which means Health Wizard at Work is easy to roll out, wherever the site and whatever the size of workforce.
Instantly available at any time of day without specialist training, Health Wizard at Work makes hearing tests available to anyone used to a smartphone or tablet.
We are proud to support workers of any nationality with our multi-language tests and information. This means everyone receives the same care, without scheduling complexities and costs associated with arranging translators.
The Health Wizard at Work handset is a portable unit, designed for the workplace (not a clinic!), so that audiometric testing can take place closer to operations with minimum management effort and hassle. Portability and flexibility also means it is easier to identify and test in a suitably quiet location.
HealthWizard users therefore cut staff downtime using Health Wizard at Work, while providing essential care and more time for staff to engage with surveillance audiometry and hearing care.