Draft:CUFF (Hearing protection)

CUFF Refers to the HSE's standard for hearing protection for the following;

C = Condition; is the hearing protection in good condition?

U = Use; are workers using the hearing protection all the time they should be?

F = Fit; does the hearing protection fit the wearer?

F = Fit for purpose; have you selected hearing protection that gives the right level of noise reduction?

As of April 2024 the HSE will be doing inspections specifically targeting sites and workplaces in relation to hearing protection using the CUFF initiative.

The major factors behind why the HSE is making a big push in hearing protection is due to the long lasting effects of noise induced hearing loss can have on our workforce. NIHL is linked to many more diseases such as dementia which happens later on in life. These can be easily prevented with the right monitoring of noise exposure.

There are many companies that are currently working towards eradicating hearing loss who specialise in monitoring operatives at the ear in order to get an understanding of the type of noise exposure they are receiving they do this by using hear through hearing protection with a monitoring platform

[1]https://press.hse.gov.uk/2023/10/16/try-the-shout-test-protect-workers-hearing/

[2] "HSE CUFF". alzheimers.org https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/managing-the-risk-of-dementia/reduce-your-risk-of-dementia/hearing-loss