Carpet Picker Wins £4,600 for Hearing Loss

A woman who used to work for a carpet manufacturer has won compensation after being diagnosed with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

She worked as a colour finder and later as a carpet picker for Woodward Grosvenor Co. Ltd in Kidderminster from 1978 until 1983. She was exposed to noise from the sizing and assessing machines, which were in constant use, in the department where she worked. Her department was also next to the main factory, where a number of carpet weaving looms were used.

Despite the noisy environment, she was never warned of the dangers of exposure to excess noise. Staff were not provided with any ear protection until a few months before she left, when small ear plugs were issued, although wearing them was optional.

She has since begun to experience difficulty in hearing, and a recent medical assessment confirmed that she suffers from NIHL and tinnitus. After she commenced legal proceedings, her former employer settled her case out of court for just over £4,600.