How can I assess the safety of a deaf worker on a plant using an audiogram. What criteria apply here please. Thank you!

The worker needs a risk assessment by the management to assess their ability to e.g. hear shouted instructions or alerts and alarms when not in the line of sight of the source. Audiograms serve two main purposes: identifying a lapse in control measures (eg PPE) for individuals and worker groups and identifying individuals for whom working control measures are not sufficient. Interventions are hopefully prior to any permanent impairment. Audiograms are not good at predicting what a worker will or will not be able to hear.

There should be a thorough risk assessment conducted by management (or those employed on their behalf to do so), which will take into account two factors: 1) Work environment: are the noise hazards controlled ALARP 2) As part of the controls, has the worker undergone a full assessment that considers his/her ability to hear alarm sirens, vehicle movements, radios, etc.? This will provide a more ergonomic assessment to supplement audiometry results. The goal of ergonomics is to improve the safety, comfort, and performance of workers by making sure their tasks, equipment, and environment are well-suited to them. There is a good section on noise on HSE https://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/index.htm