News item | 06-12-2023 | 5:00 PM
The Fourth Agreement on the Prevention of Hearing Damage to Amplified Music was signed on December 6 by the partners involved, including new entrants Koninklijke Horeca Nederland (KHN) and the Association for Stage Technology (VPT), the nine existing partners and State Secretary Maarten van Ooijen on behalf of the Ministry of Health. Welfare and Sports. The existing covenant partners welcome KHN and VPT, which represents an important step in protecting both employees and visitors against possible hearing damage due to (too) loud noise. Because sound technicians and catering establishments have joined the agreement, the agreements to prevent hearing damage reach virtually all sectors where amplified music is the primary purpose or plays an important supporting role.
Dates
The purpose of the agreement is to contribute to the prevention of hearing damage by allowing visitors and employees of music activities to enjoy the music in a way that is as safe as possible for the hearing. To achieve this, the twelve covenant partners have made agreements on six main topics: noise levels, noise measurements, hearing protection, information for visitors, promoting the expertise of employees and knowledge and research. The covenant partners take maximum noise levels into account, provide information about hearing damage and earplugs with a music filter are available on location. KHN chairman Marijke Vuik: “We think it is important that attention is paid to the increasing number of people who have hearing damage. In catering companies such as coffee shops or restaurants, this is of course not an issue at all. But in catering establishments where amplified music does occur, the catering industry naturally wants to ensure that guests can enjoy it safely and that employees can work in a healthy manner.”
In the agreement, the VPT represents the technical side of the performing arts in various places, from community centers to large theaters and events. Antoinette Wijffels, board member of VPT: “Our members are uniquely able to share knowledge and experience regarding noise control in places where this is not yet sufficiently available.”
Always bring earplugs
State Secretary Maarten van Ooijen (VWS): “I am happy that we have managed to find collaboration with so many parties again. What is extra special is that the catering industry and stage technicians from even more locations are now on board. This makes our reach much greater. We are working towards a future with responsible sound levels in all places with amplified music. And of course we continue to point out the use of earplugs with a music filter to protect your hearing, because it is really important for everyone to always take earplugs with you and use them when you go to a concert, for example. The agreements in this agreement will result in health benefits and progress in preventing hearing damage in many places with amplified music.”
Covenant partners
The Fourth Agreement on the Prevention of Hearing Damage Amplified Music is a collaboration between DeBesteSchoolfeesten.nl, GGD GHOR Netherlands, KHN (Royal Horeca Netherlands), LKvV (National Chamber of Associations), Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, NL Actief, NVBF (Dutch Association of Cinemas and Film Theatres), OSAT (Consultation on Labor Market Theater Technology Training), VeiligheidNL, VNPF (Association of Dutch Pop Stages and Festivals), VPT (Association for Stage Technology) and VVEM (Association of Event Makers).