Q I regularly hold discos in my function room. My staff have complained that the music is too loud, but my customers like it at that level. Should I turn it down?
A The Noise at Work Regulations 1989 require an employer to assess his employees' exposure to noise at work, especially where the noise is likely to be above a certain level. The assessment must be made by a competent person who understands the levels that are acceptable. It is common for a disco to exceed these levels and in these circumstances you must ensure that you take all steps possible to reduce the risk of damage to the hearing of your employees to the lowest level that is reasonably practical.
Steps that can be taken include ensuring that all staff have an opportunity to get away from the loud music at regular intervals. You could also ensure that any speakers that are pointed towards the bar are turned down or disconnected so that the staff behind the bar are not in the loudest part of the room. You may also need to consider providing ear protectors for the staff although clearly this causes problems with customers communicating with the staff.
As well as carrying out an assessment, this should also be reviewed on a regular basis. This issue is also being covered by many local authorities in relation to public entertainment licences (PEL) and you may need to prove that you are carrying out such assessments as part of the PEL.