Workplace Noise Assessment Case Study in Ashton-under-Lyne

The project involved a Workplace Noise Exposure Assessment carried out by Sysco Environmental at a manufacturing facility in Ashton-under-Lyne. The study formed part of the organisation’s commitment to maintaining compliance with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, which require employers to understand and manage employee exposure to workplace noise.

The site operates around the clock and includes multiple operational areas such as production lines, ovens and packing facilities. These environments contain various potential noise sources including machinery, conveyor systems and material handling activities.

The objective of the assessment was to:

• Understand employee exposure to workplace noise
• Identify areas where noise levels were elevated
• Provide recommendations to reduce potential risks
• Support regulatory compliance and workforce protection

The survey was completed during normal operational conditions to ensure results accurately reflected the everyday working environment.

Assessment Approach

Sysco Environmental carried out the assessment using professional sound monitoring equipment to measure noise levels experienced by employees during typical working activities. Measurements were taken near the worker’s ear position to reflect real exposure levels rather than just background noise within the room. 

Monitoring focused on key operational areas, including:

• Production lines
• Oven areas
• Packing operations
• Dispatch areas

The survey also reviewed how employee tasks and movement between workstations could influence their daily exposure levels.

This practical approach ensured that the final recommendations were grounded in real operational behaviour, not theoretical assumptions.

Key Findings

The assessment revealed that noise levels varied significantly across different areas of the site.

Some production and oven areas produced higher noise levels due to:

• Mechanical equipment operation
• Metal-on-metal contact between trays and equipment
• Movement of trolleys and materials across the factory floor
• Conveyor and packing machinery

Other areas, such as dispatch and administrative spaces, experienced much lower noise levels. 

The findings helped identify where:

• Hearing protection should be encouraged
• Noise awareness could be improved
• Operational adjustments could reduce unnecessary noise generation

Practical Recommendations

Sysco Environmental provided a series of clear and practical recommendations to support safer working conditions and regulatory compliance.

Key recommendations included:
Noise Control Improvements

• Reduce unnecessary metal-on-metal impacts during tray handling
• Introduce alternative cleaning methods to reduce loud impacts
• Maintain machinery regularly to prevent increased noise levels

Workplace Management Measures

• Rotate staff between quieter and noisier tasks
• Ensure hearing protection is available and used where appropriate
• Clearly designate areas where protection is required

Employee Awareness

• Provide training on the risks of workplace noise exposure
• Introduce clear signage identifying hearing protection zones
• Implement appropriate health surveillance where necessary

These recommendations enable the client to proactively manage noise risks while maintaining operational productivity.

Outcome

By conducting a detailed Workplace Noise Assessment, Sysco Environmental helped the organisation gain a clear understanding of how noise exposure affects employees across different operational areas.

The project delivered:

• Greater visibility of workplace noise risks
• Practical solutions to reduce exposure
• Improved compliance with UK noise regulations
• Enhanced worker awareness and protection

Most importantly, the assessment provided the client with confidence that their workplace safety management approach is informed by reliable occupational hygiene expertise.

Why Workplace Noise Assessments Matter

Excessive workplace noise is one of the most common occupational hazards in manufacturing environments. Without proper monitoring and management, prolonged exposure can lead to noise-induced hearing loss and long-term health risks.

Professional noise assessments help organisations:

• Understand real exposure levels
• Identify high-risk tasks or areas
• Implement practical control measures
• Demonstrate compliance with health and safety legislation

Sysco Environmental supports organisations across the UK with workplace noise monitoring, occupational exposure assessments and practical compliance guidance.