A NEWPORT man who suffered hearing loss after working at an aluminium producing factory has been awarded a five-figure settlement.

Father-of-three David Bell has been left struggling to communicate with his family and needing a hearing aid at the age of 50 after suffering noise-induced hearing loss after working at British Alcan Rolled Products Ltd.

Mr Bell instructed a legal team at Irwin Mitchell to act against his former employer after he worked with heavy machinery for 24 years, over ten of which was said to be without relevant protection.

The amount of the settlement, secured from his former employers to fund his hearing aid need, has not been disclosed. Mr Bell said: “Although I may have lost my hearing at least I have obtained justice for my family and others in a similar situation to myself.” The solicitors said that before the mid 1990s hearing protection was not available and no warning or training was given as to the effects excessive levels of noise could have on his health or hearing. When Mr Bell was eventually provided ear plugs he stated that the protection given wasn’t adequate enough in reducing the noise that was emitted from the machines and devices.

British Alcan Rolled Products Ltd was not available for comment last night.