Hear today, gone tomorrow

Blacksmithing and farriery are among the oldest trades and crafts and are still practised in much the same way since the day of their creation. What has changed over time is our knowledge and awareness of safety issues, and modern day man is constantly battling to make the workplace as safe as possible.
Blacksmiths and farriers encounter many day-to-day dangers through their work, most of which are already avoided through professional training and expertise. There are, however, many additional hidden dangers in the workplace which affect the long-term health of blacksmiths and farriers and in particular the causes of hearing problems.
The question should that be asked is whether hearing loss within these industries is avoidable or should it simply be taken as an inherent part of the job? The related noise issue has been around for as long as the crafts themselves, however Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) has only recently been properly recognised.
Following the introduction of updated regulations in this field, namely the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, it has become apparent that a study should be conducted on these industries to determine what can be done so that hearing loss within the these communities can be reduced or ideally eliminated.
I am currently studying for a Masters at Kings College London, and have selected this area for my dissertation. I feel passionate about these industries, which are steeped in history, and also having close family connections to these industries has highlighted the apparent hearing issues for me.
Improvements in working practices continually involve with the introduction of new tools, materials and processes, all of which introduce a new set of issues to be addressed. I would be interested to learn whether during the teaching of these professions the dangers of hearing loss and the associated regulations are covered. I would be very grateful for any emails or letters detailing your experiences and/or findings on this subject, also if you are a lecturer, student, employee or employer and have a view as to what safety practices or equipment should be used, or whether the practicalities of wearing hearing protection while working actually fit these industries? I would also be keen to hear from you if you have been visited by the HSE or your local authority on health and safety matters and if so, what their views on this subject were.
In order to make my research on this subject as beneficial as possible, I kindly request your assistance in providing details of your experiences and views on this subject.
I would be interested to hear whether you have any knowledge of the regulations, i.e. Have you ever heard of them? Do you comply with them? Or do you disagree with them in respect to your industry?
I would also like to hear any general views you have on this issue and would also like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have already responded to my generic emails. Your input, suggestions and stories will be put to great use in understanding the perceptions and complications faced by you in your work.
Thank you for taking the time to read my article and I look forward to letting you know my findings in the not too distant future.
Alexander Simpson BSc (Hons)
[email protected]
22 Albert Grove, London, SW20 8PY
Photo Caption: Mark Corrin, Farrier (Isle of Man)

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