Noise limiters can be put on the system to deal with both the above problems. However, they must not be easy for the worker to disable, as in noisy offices there may be a need to go over safe limits. Again, tackle the noise at source and reduce office noise so the system does not have to be disabled. Some employers operate a pool of headsets where workers put them in a box at the end of the day and pick any one out of there when they return to work. This is to be discouraged as there is a serious risk of ear infections being passed around a workplace.
Some ear infections can lead to serious hearing disorders.
A better system is for each worker to be provided with their own headset by the employer and somewhere to keep it in out of work hours. Even using this system, employers should ensure they have a system in place to keep the headsets clean and healthy with regular maintenance and replacement where necessary. References Hazards magazine. This excellent publication has produced many articles on call centres, voice loss, computer vision syndrome etc. It is now supported by the TUC and recommended by them to all Safety Reps.