Project Summary

Challenge

It is estimated that over 328,000 construction workers are living with hearing impairment or tinnitus.

With three in four construction workers exposed to hazardous noise levels, hearing loss is one of the industry's most significant health, safety and inclusion challenges. Research suggests that around 26% of the manual construction workforce experience some form of hearing-related condition.

Untreated hearing loss can increase the risk of workplace accidents, affect communication, reduce productivity and create barriers to inclusion on site.

Solution

To help tackle this issue, Bovis in collaboration with Unseen Aware and Safety in Design, are developing a new initiative which aims to create the first construction-specific deaf awareness and hearing loss training programme.

The programme will bring together lived experience, behavioural science, health and safety expertise, and industry insight to create training that is both practical and impactful.

The training will consist of eight specialist free-of-charge training modules designed for individuals, managers, employers and construction organisations, and will combine:

• Interactive e-learning

• Practical guidance

• Subtitled and BSL-supported videos provided by ITV

• Downloadable resources

• Knowledge checks to maximise engagement and accessibility.

Participants will learn how to:

• Understand the different types and causes of hearing loss and their impact in construction environments.

• Recognise the everyday challenges faced by deaf and hard of hearing colleagues.

• Apply practical communication techniques that improve safety, collaboration and productivity.

• Create psychologically safe workplaces where everyone can thrive.

• Improve recruitment, onboarding and retention practices to attract and support deaf talent.

Expected Outcomes