Despite more than a decade of legislation, millions of workers in the UK according to the HSE, are still being exposed to high noise levels and a similar number to vibration, which can lead to noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) respectively.

Recognising this, Essel Acoustics is a newly founded specialist consultancy with the expert skills and relevant experience in occupational noise and both hand arm & whole body vibration assessments and control. NIHL accounts for 75% of occupational health insurance claims and HAVS has become the most commonly reported issue under RIDDOR.

Worryingly, workers in certain sectors such as ‘greenspace management’ risk both noise and vibration exposure. Fines in excess of £100K are not uncommon for health surveillance failings and reputational damage can ensue. Essel’s aim is to create a safer and more productive working environment.

Satish Lakhiani

Owner, Satish Lakhiani has had more than 20 years’ experience in noise and vibration control as a design engineer of military hearing protection and as a consultant with a leading international consultancy.

He holds an MSc in Applied Acoustics and is a full member of the Institute of Acoustics (IoA). His past experience includes conducting noise and vibration risk assessments in the following sectors:-

• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Food and Beverages packaging/bottling
• Cardboard recycling
• Automated money counting centres
• Plant Rooms
• Data Rooms
• Local Government ‘greenspaces’
• Military tracked and wheeled armoured vehicles
• Command and Control Operations Rooms (assessing emissions from communications headsets)