HE spent a decade working to try to improve the health of others, but Alan Gosling's dedication cost him dear.
The noise levels in the Leeds factory where he was part of a team making knee and hip replacements ended up permanently damaging his hearing.
Now the 39-year-old has won £6,500 in compensation and been transferred to another department at Beeston-
based Depuy International.
Mr Gosling was a fitter and polisher between 1996 and 2006 and worked on spindles to grind and finish surgical implant components.
The spindles – and shot blast machines around 10 metres away – give off high levels of noise whilst in use. However, until 2001, ear protection was not mandatory.
Trade union Amicus secured the compensation for Mr Gosling, who lives in Leeds.
Davey Hall, Regional Secretary, Unite (Amicus section), said: "The Control of Noise at Work Regulations which came into effect in April 2006 were intended to provide improved protection for workers from one of Britain's most serious occupational diseases.
"Unfortunately noise remains one of the most underestimated workplace risks so we are very pleased with the outcome of Alan Gosling's case."
Representing Alan Gosling, Oliver Collett from Thompsons Solicitors in Leeds said: "Depuy International have failed to provide suitable equipment to protect an employee's hearing."
Following the launch of his case in 2006, Mr Gosling was transferred to an inspection position in the company, based in St Anthony's Road.
