Noise is part of the job when you’re delivering live events. But the risk to hearing health is often underestimated – and it builds up faster than you might think.
The HSE’s Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 set clear thresholds, and their Daily Noise Exposure Calculator shows just how quickly sound levels accumulate.
For example, one hour of exposure at 100 dB brings you to a daily noise level of 90 dB – already into the action zone. Stretch that across a standard shift, and you could be looking at 97 dB or more. At that level, the risk of permanent hearing damage becomes significant.
In our world, that exposure comes from PA systems, generators, plant machinery, backstage activity, build and derig periods – or simply being in close proximity to crowds for extended periods.
The key is treating noise like any other event risk: something we can plan for, control and communicate clearly.
Practical steps that help:
- Risk-led assessments to identify who’s exposed and when
- Task-specific hearing protection that’s appropriate, comfortable and actually worn
- Planned breaks to reduce cumulative exposure across long shifts
- Scheduling that limits time spent in the highest-noise areas
- Clear briefings and signage so teams know what to expect and how to protect themselves
Great events should be creative, enjoyable and safe. Managing noise exposure is just one part of supporting the people who make them happen.
