That’s the emphatic message from leading noise reduction specialists Echo Barrier, who say authorities and construction firms could be saving thousands if only they would prioritise sound-minimisation. The company believes work on sites throughout the UK could be being done much quicker, with less recorded complaints, and with less cost to the tax-payer.

Peter Wilson, technical director said: “Time and again the construction industry is laying itself bare to criticism because projects are being undertaken without a considered degree of noise reduction. “The benefits of specifying with such measures go way beyond preventing annoyance to the neighbours of a site, but include health considerations for construction workers, and significant improvement in completion times.”

In the UK, it is estimated that 1 in 10 or 6 million people suffer from tinnitus or a work-related hearing loss problem. In financial terms, upwards of hundreds of thousands of pounds are thought to be wasted annually in noise complaints and disrupted work schedules. “The costs of the noise mitigation measures range from £2000 - £6000 per weekend.

Considering that a noise abatement order could jeopardise a £1,000,000 contract for a weekend track renewal project, the mitigation costs are low” said Peter. “It really isn’t enough for local authorities and private construction companies to be embarking on work and leaving noise issues to chance anymore.” “Quite rightly, the public should anticipate a considerable degree of respect around their disruption, and construction staff should be able to have their duty of care made a priority. “As a company, we are often being approached mid-way through a cycle of works because complaints have been made and measures now need to be implemented as a matter of dire urgency to keep the project in full swing.

“What we’re calling for today is for local authorities and firms to apply common sense and implement measures as part of their scoping. It is imperative to keep the construction world moving faster, and at less cost to us all.” For more information about Echo Barrier visit www.echobarrier.co.uk