Noise as a public health concern

Contrary to what was stated in the article Noise: Nuisance or Hazard by John Fenech (September 25) the Occupational Health and Safety Authority is not "the official body for the investigation and abatement of noise". The article mentions several laws and regulations none of which fall within the responsibilities of the OHSA.

The author also fails to mention the only set of regulations which have been enacted under the OHS Authority Act (and therefore within OHSA's remit) namely Legal Notice 158/2006 - the Work Place (Minimum Health and Safety Requirements for the Protection of Workers from Risks Resulting From Exposure to Noise) Regulations, 2006. The declared scope of these regulations is to lay down minimum requirements for the protection of workers from risks to their health and safety arising or likely to arise from exposure to noise and in particular the risk to hearing.

OHSA has also prepared and printed an exhaustive document on how workplace noise should be controlled (Guidance on Occupational Noise, 2005). Copies of this document can be obtained from OHSA against a small fee.

Noise which is of an environmental or public health concern is not the subject of these regulations, and any complaints concerning these issues should be addressed to the relevant authorities.