Noise exposure in the balance: managing occupational and leisure risks to hearing health

Health and safety risks that are present in both occupational and home/leisure environments can pose difficulties for health and safety professionals when determining risk mitigation responsibilities. Where work is defined as the time spent in paid employment (usually at a specified location), risks or costs associated with activities undertaken on “work time”, are thought to be the responsibility of the employer. Leisure, defined as time free from work commitments, is under the control of the individual, and associated risks may be considered the individual’s responsibility.