The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released an updated version of its Noise Exposure Calculator, designed to make assessing hearing protection easier and more accurate for those working in noisy environments.
This tool is essential for ensuring workers are properly protected without compromising their ability to hear critical safety signals. The latest update focuses on better usability, mobile compatibility, and enhanced calculation methods.
What’s New?
Mobile-Friendly Design The calculator is now optimised for smartphones and tablets, making it easier to access and use on the go. It also works seamlessly with Excel.
Combined Daily and Weekly Exposure Previously separate daily and weekly calculators have been merged for easier use.
Improved Accuracy with HML Method The calculator now includes the HML (High, Medium, Low) method, in addition to the traditional SNR (Single Number Rating) type, providing a more precise assessment of hearing protection performance across different noise frequencies.
Why This Matters
Recent HSE inspections revealed a common issue: many workers wearing hearing protection could not hear safety alarms or warning signals. This creates a serious risk in high-noise environments.
The updated calculator helps employers strike the right balance – avoiding over-protection (which can block alarms) and under-protection (which leaves workers exposed to harmful noise levels).
By using the tool, you can:
Verify that hearing protection is effective without compromising safety.
Choose between SNR or HML methods based on your needs
Ensure compliance with noise regulations and protect your workforce
We have worked with Safewell for many years and are retained clients, so we have developed an excellent working relationship with the team. However, this really came into its own when Covid 19 appeared.
As a Plumbing and Heating business, we were able to carry on working during the lockdown but only for responding to emergencies. We were obviously very concerned about the health and safety of our employees and before we even had chance to get in touch with Safewell, they had emailed us offering their assistance. It is hard to put down on paper how that made us feel - we like everyone else felt totally at sea, which way to turn, what to do? But Safewell were there guiding, supporting and being totally brilliant. Their attention to detail is very impressive and reassuring and we feel able to ask lots of questions without feeling silly.
During the pandemic Safewell helped us to write risk assessments, safety procedures and protocols. They kept in touch regularly, issuing new guidance as soon as it appeared and checking in with us. They held group Q&A sessions over Zoom which were helpful, and knowing other businesses were facing the same challenges and having the opportunity to discuss issues was invaluable. Their help during the preparation for a full return to work was brilliant, they enabled us to be fully prepared and feel in control, and when we had our first case of Covid within the team, because we had planned our response it felt ok.
I think our team felt very reassured by our robust approach and that our office was Covid secure. We are extremely grateful to all the team at Safewell
