GUEST ARTICLE: Time to address the productivity drain

It’s common knowledge that manufacturing environments are inherently noisy. The operation of heavy machinery, the constant movement of trucks, and the physical labour involved create the perfect storm for a sound ‘battleground’. As noise levels increase, so do safety limits, creating a challenging environment for workers. However, many employers underestimate the full extent of the damage – both to employee physical health and workplace performance. Ben Hancock, Managing Director of Oscar Acoustics, writes the following article…

From our own research into excessive noise, we know that many employees working in manufacturing are suffering.  A whopping two in three workers had experienced a drop in workplace productivity as a result of constant loud noise. More than half find their workspace too noisy and so feel unsafe. And for one in five, conditions are so bad that it has driven them to quit their job.

Beyond interrupting immediate tasks, prolonged exposure to excessive noise can increase stress, concentration issues, hearing problems and higher error rates, impacting individual output and team efficiency, respectively. 

The significance of this issue cannot be overstated – currently, UK manufacturing contributes a quarter of the UK’s GDP. This comes at a time when the sector is notably underperforming. Recent data from Make UK’s annual ‘Manufacturing – The Facts’ report, show the UK has slipped from the top-ten global world rankings for the first time since 2012. Additionally, the Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) Trends Survey revealed that manufacturing output has declined over the past three months, falling short of expectations. 

This makes the far-reaching implications of excessive noise, more important than ever.

Sound The Alarm  

So, just how bad is the situation? To understand the issue on a deeper level, we surveyed those working on the front line. What we found was troubling. 

Many experience negative health effects as a direct result of high noise levels, including headaches (26%) and stress and anxiety (24%). Two in five workers also said the sound of heavy machinery and the lack of noise control are their biggest frustrations whilst on the job. 

What’s also concerning is the number of employees seeking medical attention for workplace-induced hearing issues. A fifth of respondents have reported problems caused by disproportionate noise.

Perhaps, this is no surprise given that current regulations stipulate that 87dB is the maximum level of noise that workers should be exposed to. When put into the context of a warehouse or factory setting – forklift trucks operate at an average of 90dB.

Though staff may receive protection such as ear defenders on levels ranging from 80dB to 85dB, they present a significant health and safety risk if people are unable to hear the sound of moving machinery or alarms. This begs the question, how can businesses safeguard their staff?

Absorb Rather Than Reflect

One of the most effective ways to combat excessive noise is through specially designed acoustics sprays. They are applied to walls or ceilings ensuring sound energy is absorbed rather than reflected.

Often factories and warehouses are filled with hard surfaces, allowing sound to echo and bounce, sending sound levels soaring. Acoustic sprays work to dampen sound, creating a safer and healthier working environment.

They’re also an obvious choice for business owners who need a speedy solution with minimal downtime. In some cases, installation can be finished with just one application, allowing work to continue in the shortest time possible.

Driving-Up Sustainability Standards

A premium spray will also contribute towards many sustainable design and health certification systems including BREEAM, SKA, Living Building Challenge and adds up to 17 points towards the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating of a project. However, before investing in a spray, it’s important to establish if it is GREENGUARD Gold Certified compliance for Indoor Air Quality as this will mean it meets the highest welfare standards.

Raise The Bar

As the backbone of the UK economy, manufacturing faces significant risks if it fails to create safer, more comfortable work environments. A recent Career Happiness Index from Futures Group placed workers in the manufacturing, transport, and logistics industries as some of the unhappiest in the country.

This dissatisfaction, combined with our findings, underscores an urgent need for UK manufacturing to prioritise acoustic management.

Those who choose to ignore the warning signs do so at their peril. In an industry already facing challenges in attracting and retaining talent, overlooking the impact of noise could further jeopardise productivity and long-term industry success – at a time when we need it most.