Beyond the Decibels: Understanding Workplace Noise Compliance in 2025

In today’s workplaces, noise is far more than an inconvenience, it’s an overlooked, pervasive threat to health, productivity, and legal compliance. With the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) ramping up enforcement across the UK, it has never been more critical for employers to fully understand and act on their obligations under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

What the Law Requires 

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 establish clear legal thresholds for daily noise exposure:

• 80 dB(A) (Lower Exposure Action Value ): Employers must provide information and training to staff.
• 85 dB(A) (Upper Exposure Action Value): Employers Must carry out a risk assessment and make available suitable hearing protection.
• 87 dB(A) (Exposure Limit Value): The maximum permissible exposure — immediate action to reduce exposure is required. Review control measures and the adequacy of hearing protection. 

How Are Noise Exposure Thresholds Calculated?

When the law refers to limits like 80 or 85 dB(A), it’s not about a single loud bang—it’s about the average noise exposure over a working day, typically 8 hours.

Two key factors are considered:

• How loud the noise is (measured in A-weighted sound pressure level (dBA)
• How long you’re exposed to it

Because decibels use a logarithmic scale, every 3 dB increase doubles the noise energy—and halves the safe exposure time.

A Simple Example

• At 85 dB(A) you can safely be exposed for 8 hours
• At 88 dB(A) (just 3 decibels higher) the safe time drops to 4 hours
• At 91 dB(A) it drops again to 2 hours
• At 94 dB(A) it’s just 1 hour

How It’s Measured in the Real World

Noise assessors use calibrated sound level meters or personal dosimeters in accordance with the work analysis to record:

• The level of noise 
• The duration of exposure

These are combined into a daily exposure value (called L_EP,d), which is then compared to the legal action levels.

The Human Cost of Ignoring Noise

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is irreversible. It develops gradually and often goes unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. Prolonged exposure can also lead to:

• Tinnitus – persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears
• Stress and fatigue – reducing concentration and increasing accident risk
• Communication breakdowns – especially dangerous in high-risk environments
• Higher accident rates – due to distraction, fatigue, or missed warnings

The Business Risks of Non-Compliance

Failing to manage workplace noise isn’t just a health issue, it’s a serious business liability. Risks include:

• Fines up to £20,000 or prosecution for breaches
• Project delays due to HSE enforcement or injury claims
• Reputational damage in a market that values health, safety, wellbeing, and higher staff turnover

Who Needs a Noise Assessment?

High-Risk Sectors (Well-Known)

• Construction: Demolition, piling, and concrete cutting often exceed 90 dB(A)
• Manufacturing: Metal fabrication, woodworking, and bottling lines
• Logistics & Warehousing: Forklifts, conveyor systems, and loading bays

Often Overlooked Sectors

• Education: Music departments, workshops, and even busy dining halls
• Hospitality: Nightclubs, bars, and commercial kitchens
• Facilities Management: Groundskeeping, HVAC servicing, and cleaning equipment
• Healthcare: MRI suites, dental surgeries, and sterilisation units
• Office Environments: Poor acoustic design in open-plan offices can increase stress and reduce productivity—even if noise levels are below legal limits

Real-World Example:

Nightclubs often reach 95–105 dB(A), meaning you could exceed your daily exposure limit in just 15 minutes without protection. But bulky ear defenders aren’t practical when you need to hear drink orders.

Here’s how to stay protected:

• Use acoustic filters or musician’s earplugs
  These reduce volume evenly across frequencies, so music and speech still sound natural. They’re discreet, comfortable, and can reduce exposure by 10–20 dB.
• Take regular quiet breaks
  Even 15 minutes in a quieter area each hour can significantly reduce your average exposure.
• Rotate duties
  Alternate between high-noise and lower-noise roles (e.g. bar, cloakroom, entrance) to spread exposure.
• Monitor and manage
  Employers should carry out a noise risk assessment and use real-time monitoring to adjust shift patterns or break schedules.
• Get trained
  Staff should understand the risks, know how to use hearing protection, and recognise early signs of hearing damage.

What Should Employers Be Doing?

• Conduct a Noise Risk Assessment – Identify noise sources, measure exposure levels, and determine who’s at risk.

• Implement Control Measures – Opt for quieter equipment, isolate noisy processes, or rotate staff to limit exposure.

• Provide Hearing Protection – Ensure it’s suitable, comfortable, and consistently worn.

• Deliver Training and Information – Staff should understand the risks and know how to protect themselves.

• Monitor and Review – Regularly check noise levels and update assessments as work conditions or equipment change.

How KP Acoustics Group Can Help

We offer a complete range of services to help organisations stay compliant, safeguard staff, and avoid costly penalties:

Training & Certification

• Certificate of Competence in Workplace Noise Risk Assessment (CCWNRA)
  A 5-day IoA-accredited course, ideal for safety officers, facilities managers, and consultants. No prior acoustics experience required.
• Noise Awareness E-Learning
  Bespoke to your industry, flexible, LMS-hostable modules, perfect for onboarding or annual safety refreshers.

Consultancy Services

• Workplace noise risk assessments
• Control strategy development
• Long-term monitoring solutions
• Support with HSE inspections and enforcement cases

The HSE has made it clear: noise is a 2025 enforcement priority. With inspections increasing and mounting evidence linking noise to broader physical and mental health outcomes, businesses can no longer afford to delay.

Noise compliance isn’t just about legal obligations, it’s about protecting people. Whether you’re running a construction site, a school, a hospital, or a commercial kitchen, understanding and managing your noise risks is essential.

If you’re unsure where your risks lie, or if your noise assessments aren’t up to date, we’re here to help.

Contact KP Acoustics today to arrange a workplace noise assessment or book your place on our accredited training programmes. info@kpacoustics.com | education@kpacoustics.com