Noise in the workplace isn’t just irritating; it can be dangerous. A workplace noise assessment helps you measure, manage, and minimise noise levels to protect your employees’ hearing and stay compliant with UK law.

If you run a factory, workshop, construction site, or even a busy open-plan office, excessive noise exposure could be harming your team without you realising it. The good news? A proper assessment can fix that.

Why Do You Need a Workplace Noise Assessment?

Noise may seem harmless, but over time, it damages hearing permanently. In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that around 17,000 people suffer from work-related hearing loss every year. That’s not just painful it’s preventable.

A noise assessment is crucial because it helps you:

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• Comply with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
  
  
• Reduce risks of hearing loss and tinnitus
  
  
• Avoid costly claims or enforcement action from the HSE
  
  
• Boost morale and productivity by protecting employee wellbeing
  
  
• Plan smarter for acoustic improvements in new or existing spaces
  
  

Once noise exposure reaches 80 dB(A), you must take action. At 85 dB(A), hearing protection and control measures become legally required (HSE.gov.uk).

How a Workplace Noise Assessment Works?

A noise assessment isn’t guesswork it’s science and safety combined. Here’s how professionals like Gradwell Group carry it out:

1. Initial consultation Understand your business, layout, and equipment.
   
   
2. Site inspection Identify all potential noise sources.
   
   
3. Sound level measurements Using calibrated meters and dosimeters.
   
   
4. Exposure analysis Compare readings to UK legal thresholds.
   
   
5. Recommendations Suggest engineering, administrative, or PPE solutions.
   
   
6. Detailed report Provide documentation for compliance and future reference.
   
   
7. Follow-up review Ensure changes are effective and consistent.
   
   

A comprehensive report not only protects your team but also demonstrates compliance if the HSE ever inspects your premises.

When Should You Arrange One?

You should get a workplace noise assessment if:

• You’ve installed new equipment or machinery.
  
  
• Staff have complained about excessive noise.
  
  
• You’ve moved to a new building or redesigned layouts.
  
  
• There’s visible strain, raised voices, or ringing in ears after shifts.
  
  
• It’s been two years since your last assessment.
  
  

Regular reviews ensure no change slips through the cracks.

Who Should Carry Out the Assessment?

The law requires a competent person to perform a noise risk assessment. This could be an in-house specialist or a qualified external assessor.

At Gradwell Group, our acoustic consultants are trained and certified to measure, analyse, and interpret workplace noise using industry-standard methods. We help you go beyond compliance  to create safer, more comfortable workplaces.

Key Elements 

A proper assessment includes more than just sound readings. It should cover:

• Noise source identification (machinery, tools, impact noises)
  
  
• Exposure estimates (daily and weekly averages)
  
  
• Peak noise levels for sudden loud impacts
  
  
• Zoning maps showing high-risk areas
  
  
• Hearing protection recommendations
  
  
• Health surveillance plan for employees
  
  
• Documentation for audits and compliance records
  
  

These elements form the foundation of an effective noise control strategy. Noise doesn’t have to be extreme to be harmful long-term exposure is the real danger.

• Around 12 million adults in the UK experience hearing loss many from prolonged exposure at work (RNID.org.uk).

How Gradwell Group Helps?

At Gradwell Group, we’re trusted acoustic and environmental consultants helping UK businesses create compliant, safe, and productive workplaces.

Our Workplace Noise Assessment services include:

• Professional on-site measurement and monitoring
  
  
• Acoustic mapping and exposure reporting
  
  
• Practical solutions tailored to your business
  
  
• Ongoing compliance and safety reviews
  
  
• Support with Control of Noise at Work documentation
  
  

We’ve helped hundreds of UK companies achieve compliance with confidence. Our experts are friendly, precise, and ready to make your workplace quieter and safer.

Explore our Acoustics Services to see how we can support your next project.

FAQs

1. Is a workplace noise assessment mandatory?

 Yes, if your employees are exposed to average noise levels of 80 dB(A) or above, the law requires you to assess and manage the risk.

2. How long does a noise assessment take?

 It depends on your site size. Small sites may take a few hours; large facilities can take a day or more.

3. How often should I repeat the assessment?

 Every two years or whenever you introduce new machinery, equipment, or processes.

4. What if the results show high noise levels?

 You’ll need to take action for example, provide hearing protection, isolate noisy machinery, or redesign workflows to reduce exposure.

5. Do I need to keep records?

 Yes. Keeping assessment records demonstrates compliance and helps with long-term planning.

Conclusion

A workplace noise assessment isn’t just a legal box to tick it’s a vital part of protecting your employees, improving productivity, and preventing long-term hearing damage. By partnering with Gradwell Group, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing your business meets the latest UK noise control regulations, your team is safe, and your workplace runs smoothly.

Contact us today to schedule your professional Workplace Noise Assessment and take the first step towards a quieter, safer, and more compliant working environment.