What happened
HSE announced the campaign on 13 October 2026 and estimates around 15,000 workers experience hearing problems caused or made worse by work annually. This is a new campaign, not new legislation; existing duties under the 2005 Noise and Vibration at Work Regulations continue to apply.
Why it matters to food manufacturing engineers
Food factories contain compressors, refrigeration equipment, fans, conveyors and tools that may expose workers to noise or vibration.
Operational impact
Engineering selection, maintenance, acoustic isolation, tool choice and machine condition can reduce exposure at source. Exposure levels need site-specific assessment.
AFME perspective — what to watch
Integrate occupational exposure into asset management and CAPEX specifications rather than relying exclusively on PPE.
What happened
HSE announced the campaign on 13 October 2026 and estimates around 15,000 workers experience hearing problems caused or made worse by work annually. This is a new campaign, not new legislation; existing duties under the 2005 Noise and Vibration at Work Regulations continue to apply.
Why it matters to UK food manufacturing engineers
Food factories contain compressors, refrigeration equipment, fans, conveyors and tools that may expose workers to noise or vibration.
Operational and engineering impact
Engineering selection, maintenance, acoustic isolation, tool choice and machine condition can reduce exposure at source. Exposure levels need site-specific assessment.
AFME perspective
Integrate occupational exposure into asset management and CAPEX specifications rather than relying exclusively on PPE.
Engineering Action / Opportunity
Compare noise and vibration assessments with the asset register and prioritise source-control improvements.
