19 Dec 2017

Hear ends 2017

As 2017 draws to a close we have had another busy year, to start the year off in February we featured in The Health and Safety Magazine, ‘Tomorrows Health & Safety’. With our column ‘No Need to Shout’, located on page 4 and written by our Managing Director Mick Whitaker. Mick gives an in depth article about NIHL (Noise Induced Hearing Loss), with how the effects are irreversible and how our product helps protect your hearing.

In March we attended the first of The Health and Safety Events at the NEC Birmingham. This event is organised by Western Business Exhibitions, bringing over 6000 visitors and 200 exhibition stands. Demonstrating our unique products/services to visitors with the significant costs savings compared to disposables.

In August we renewed our SafeContractor Scheme, making us compliant with Health and Safety regulations to enter our customers’ premises. There are more than 30,000 clients the SafeContractor has on the Scheme.

The Health and Safety North was in October which incorporated The Health and Safety Event and The Fire Safety Show, held in Manchester at Event City. With just 60% of workers actually fitting their hearing protection correctly, this is based on the real world use of and performance of hearing protection HSE Report. There is a huge gap where employees need to be educating on hearing protection.

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We can help Deafness in the workplace
15 Dec 2017

We can help Deafness in the workplace

Deafness is caused by exposure to loud noises over a period of time or momentarily, the workplace is not allowed to reach over 140dB in any circumstance. The lowest action level is 80dB when hearing protection is made optional, 85dB is made mandatory.

In the workplace if you’re hard of hearing or nearly deaf, it is important to still be able to hear warnings. Disposables and ear defenders don’t provide this type of technology as they cut out the noise rather than allowing it in. If you wear your hearing aids this is just amplifying the sound and potentially is damaging what hearing you have left. We provide a product called CENS Proflex Industrial a personally moulded ear plug with an active filter, which allows you to hear amplified levels of noise. The ear plugs have a 31SNR protection level and 220 hours of battery life. They feature 3 levels of volume control Level 1 5dB, Level 2 11dB and Level 3 18dB.

The technology instantly shuts down when any loud noises that occur, after doing so the volume returns to the previous setting. It is a type of industrial hearing aid, allowing communication and stopping anymore damage to your hearing.

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ProtectHear® Toolbox Talks
30 Nov 2017

ProtectHear® Toolbox Talks

ProtectHear® Toolbox Talks

We understand that with anything new it always takes time to get used to, that’s why we take our commitment one step further. Whenever a trial is due to commence we always offer a toolbox talk to companies, to demonstrate how our ear plugs are fitted, maintained and what qualities they offer. We believe it is very important for people to have a clear understanding of the product at the very start of the trial.

Involved in this is education as well, to explain to people that hearing damage is irreversible with Noise Induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus being the main problems. Noise Induced Hearing Loss is the end result of loud noise exposure. If you feel that you have to turn music up louder and ask people to repeat themselves, this could be the lead cause. Whereas Tinnitus causes ringing in your ears, this again is a result of loud noise, affecting around 10% of the UKs population.

ProtectHear® ear plugs are kept in a pouch with a belt clip, for users to keep on them at all times, eliminating the standard throw away disposables for a more personal experience. With our trial we give a trial welcome pack, this is to have knowledge on how to fit, clean and for education purposes.

Find out more about our ‘Try Before you Buy’.

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Silicone ear plugs for preventing Noise Induced Hearing Loss
24 Nov 2017

Silicone ear plugs for preventing Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Silicone ear plugs

ProtectHear® silicone ear plugs are made from a hypo-allergenic medical grade soft silicone, with a shore hardness of 25. This makes the product very soft but robust, fitting the ears comfortably. The ear plugs are designed to wear all day without removing, as you can still hear the environment. They can be cleaned with either mild soapy water or a wet wipe and the ear plugs have no moving parts, making them easy to clean. The silicone ear plugs have been tested by the HSE and was Model C in this test.

We have used the same silicone since the business started in 2000, handcrafted in our specialist laboratories. We provide a pouch to keep the ear plugs safe with a belt clip and instructions. This gives users a sense of ownership, as it’s something personal and unique compared to ear defenders and disposables. The up most service and education is offered to our customers, so people are aware why they are provided with ear plugs and how to take care of them.

What is Noise Induced Hearing Loss?

Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is caused by being exposed to harmful noise levels. Whether this be from having music or TV on too loud or under protected at work. The signs of NIHL may not become apparent until later on in life, Tinnitus can be a clear sign that your hearing has been damaged. For the workplace if the sound levels are above 80dB hearing protection is optional and recommended for those working in 80dB areas over long periods of time. At over 85dB it is mandatory to have hearing protection equipped, otherwise you are at risk of NIHL.

How can silicone ear plugs prevent Noise Induced Hearing Loss?

ProtectHear® silicone ear plugs prevent Noise Induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus claims, the product fully protects your hearing. Still allowing a safe working environment as only safe sound is allowed through. Some users with standard hearing protection who are working and need to communicate may remove their ear plugs when wanting to talk to colleagues; this is a red flag as the user is not protected whilst communicating in the noisy area. ProtectHear® silicone ear plugs ensure the user is protected but not over protected, so communication with colleagues is effective.

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27 Oct 2017

The Health and Safety North Review

The Health and Safety North Review

The Health and Safety North brings with it over 200 exhibition stands, seminars and 2000 visitors. The event was established in 2007 and this year coincided with The Fire Safety North. Western Business Exhibitions re located the venue after many years at Bolton to EventCity in Manchester this year, to offer ease of access to those visiting.

The HSE report real world use of and performance of hearing protection shows that just 60% of workers are correctly fitting their disposables. Under protecting is a concern but over protecting is as well, as you need employees to be aware of noise from forklifts, alarm signals and interaction with colleagues.

ProtectHear® was established in April 2000 by Directors Richard Potter and Mick Whitaker, over the years becoming one of the UK’s leading custom ear plugs provider. Network Rail, Weetabix and British Steel are a few of our customers. We pride ourselves on our great service and education.

ProtectHear® offers a vented product that attenuates noises to a safe level, so users have no need to remove their hearing protection. This feature is useful in all noisy industries such as rail, highways and manufacturing. With a lifespan of 5 years ProtectHear® has a return on investment compared to disposables normally within 18 months, you can calculate your savings with our cost savings calculator. To show our confidence we offer a ‘Try Before you Buy’ to companies looking for solutions. A supported toolbox talk is also provided to educate employees on the trial and the benefits.

ProtectHear® will be visiting The Health and Safety Event again next year which will be taking place on the 10th – 12th April 2018, at The NEC in Birmingham. Check out more details of the event on the website.

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29 Sep 2017

Custom ear plugs used at William Hare…

Once again ProtectHear® will be visiting the Health and Safety North Show at its new location Manchester EventCity. ProtectHear® will be on stand J55 with the interactive cost saving calculator, obelisk of disposables and samples.

Custom ear plugs used at William Hare…

Once again ProtectHear® will be visiting the Health and Safety North Show at its new location Manchester EventCity. ProtectHear® will be on stand J55 with the interactive cost saving calculator, obelisk of disposables and samples.

Download Images:  ProtectHear® custom ear plugs | Ear plugs in use | Ear plugs in use at William Hare | Cost Savings Calculator

Louth, Lincolnshire, 27th September 2017  – ProtectHear® will be proving the effectiveness of custom ear plugs, to stop claims of Noise Induced Hearing Loss in your company. ProtectHear® will be Exhibiting on Stand J55 at EventCity Manchester taking place on 10th-11th October 2017.

ProtectHear® formed in 2000 has grown over the years and is now one of the UK leading providers in custom hearing protection. Based in Lincolnshire and supplying well known customer names such as Network Rail, British Steel, Weetabix, EDF Energy and Phillips 66.

ProtectHear® custom ear plugs are designed purposely for each individual, with genuine cost savings in comparison to disposables. Being more environmentally friendly than the throw away disposables, reducing landfill, with the product having a lifespan of 5 years.

Ready Why William Hare chooses to use the product:

William Hare is a leading global player in the steel industry with a UK head office in Bury. Around the world clients trust them for the provision of superior steel framework solutions in various industries. They are experts in oil & gas, petrochemical, pharmaceuticals, power, nuclear, civil, bridgework, airport, infrastructure, commercial and retail developments.

Jean Collison the SHE Administrator at William Hare has been custom made ear plugs since 2008. Here is what she said about the product:

A ‘Try Before you Buy’

“After undertaking a very successful trial in 2007 we selected ProtectHear® personally moulded earplugs for our hearing protection. Employees at all levels use the product, both in the facilities and on-site.

Product Quality and Comfort

The product protects from factory noise but enables workers to still hear warning bells, which is critical. Although background noise is reduced, speech can still be heard, which is extremely useful.

Employees really like them as they are comfortable and perform well. Our staff appreciate the product as it is more personal and better quality compared to disposables.”

Service and Education

Working with ProtectHear® is a really good experience. Everything is organised well and any questions are answered straight away. They also go the extra mile by helping us promote a sensible health and safety culture internally; they have been involved in some very helpful toolbox talks which clearly state the benefits of the product to our employees when it comes to hearing protection”.

Get your ticket to the show and visit ProtectHear® on J55, or contact us on 01507 604322, enquiries@protecthear.co.uk or www.protecthear.co.uk

ENDS

For all press enquiries please contact Kieran Towse, Sales and Marketing Administrator tel: 01507 604322

About ProtectHear®
ProtectHear® manufactures leading edge custom moulded earplugs that offer the highest degree of comfort whilst proving an effective acoustic barrier. Operating since 2000, the company is privately owned in Lincolnshire and has clients in many industries throughout the UK including EDF Energy, Network Rail, Weetabix, Kellogg’s and Phillips66.

www.protecthear.co.uk

Telephone: 01507 604322

Email: enquiries@protecthear.co.uk

18 Eve Street, Louth, Lincs, LN11 0JJ

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