Are you overprotecting your workforce?

Learn how the uvex aXess one and the HSE CUFF system help you balance protection and awareness

As hearing protection standards become more stringent following the reclassification of such equipment as Category III PPE, employers are increasingly recognising that excessive protection can be just as hazardous as insufficient protection. Overprotection, where earplugs or earmuffs with an excessively high SNR rating reduce noise to dangerously low levels, can block out not only harmful noise but also vital sounds. This can isolate workers, hinder their ability to hear alarms or warnings, and ultimately result in costly compliance failures.

The challenge is clear: how do you protect hearing without compromising situational awareness and overall safety?

The answer lies in striking the right balance. The HSE’s CUFF system (Condition, Use, Fit the ear, Fit for purpose) provides a practical framework for ensuring hearing protection is effective, compliant, and tailored to real workplace needs. With smart solutions like the uvex aXess one, you can avoid the dangers of overprotection, keep your team connected, and stay ahead of regulatory risks.

Why overprotection is now a compliance risk

In 2025, the HSE reported a 300% increase in noise-related enforcement notices, with fines exceeding £11 million in April alone. Overprotection, where earplugs and/or earmuffs reduce sound below safe level, is a real issue. Recent HSE inspections revealed serious gaps in workplace noise management:

75%

of employees didn’t know how to check or report damaged PPE.

63%

weren’t told to wear hearing protection continuously during exposure.

80%

received no fit or compatibility training.

95%

of employers hadn’t verified whether workers could still hear critical warnings like fire alarms or reversing signals.

These findings point to widespread non-compliance with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, which require employers to protect workers from hazardous noise exposure.

Why overprotection matters just as much as under-protection

While hearing loss prevention remains critical, providing products with excessive attenuation values that result in reducing noise to an unsafe level, is now a compliance risk. Workers who can’t hear alarms or communicate effectively are more likely to be injured, and employers are being held accountable.

Balancing protection and awareness

The HSE’s CUFF framework, Condition, Use, Fit the ear, Fit for purpose, provides a clear structure for ensuring hearing protection is correctly selected, worn, and maintained.

CONDITION

Regular inspection and maintenance. uvex encourages routine checks and early replacement of hearing protection to ensure continued protection and compliance.

USE

Promoting consistent and confident use. uvex prioritises wearability through ergonomic designs, lightweight materials, and compatibility with other PPE. Educational materials and toolbox talks reinforce correct usage.

FIT the ear

Training and verification. uvex offers on-site Fit Clinics to train employees on achieving a proper fit and seal, including compatibility with other PPE.

FIT for purpose

Matching protection to real noise levels. uvex educates employers on assessing workplace noise to choose appropriate hearing protection, focusing on accurate attenuation to prevent both under-protection and overprotection.

Clair Weston

Head of Marketing at uvex

The objective is not to eliminate noise entirely, but to ensure safety. It is imperative to safeguard hearing without diminishing situational awareness. The CUFF approach reflects how uvex already operates, focusing on education, fit and real-world usability. By supporting employers with training, inspections, and high-performance PPE, we ensure hearing protection is not just provided, but properly worn and maintained.

To support this approach, the uvex xact-fit system is designed to help wearers understand exactly how much protection they're receiving from their hearing protectors, regardless of brand or model.

The uvex solution

To help employers align with CUFF, uvex offers hearing protection designed to avoid overprotection, with a focus on balancing safety and awareness. Featuring Real Active Listening (RAL) technology, the uvex aXess one is an intelligent earmuff allowing wearers to stay protected while remaining fully aware of their surroundings.

Smart sound management

Reduces harmful noise to safe levels, while amplifying speech and ambient sound.

Clear communication

Enables speech at close range and detection of warning signals.

Prevents over-insulation

Ensures sound levels stay within a safe range, above the HSE’s critical awareness threshold.

Comfort and connectivity

Available in both over-the-head and helmet-mounted versions, where the coiled cable fits with helmets; Bluetooth 5.2 enables hands-free calls.

uvex aXess one: innovative hearing protection

Endurance: 50-hour battery life, USB-C charging, and glove-friendly controls. Unlike traditional earmuffs that block everything, RAL uses surround microphones to transmit ambient noise at a reduced volume. This means workers can hear alarms, machinery, and colleagues without compromising their hearing protection.
Built for real-world workplaces: Multiple-purpose functionality as can be used as passive ear defenders by disabling the RAL function. With RAL deactivated the uvex aXess one provides SNR of 31 dB. With RAL activated, the uvex aXess one reduces harmful noise to safe levels.
Bluetooth® 5.2 with dual-device pairing for hands-free calls and optional audio streaming to help with mundane repetitive tasks IP54-rated for dust and moisture resistance.
Memory foam cushions and padded headband for all-day comfort.
USB-C fast charging with up to 50 hours of battery life.
Intuitive controls designed for gloved hands.
LED status indicators and voice prompts for easy operation.

Whether you're in logistics, construction, aerospace and defence, utilities or the food sector, uvex aXess one helps your team stay connected, compliant, and ultimately, safe. “Too often, overprotection isolates workers and leads to non-compliance,” added Clair Weston. “In line with HSE’s CUFF principles, the uvex aXess one helps teams stay connected, aware, and protected.”

Whether you're in logistics, construction, aerospace, or utilities, uvex aXess one helps your team stay connected, compliant, and safe.

Summary - Stay protected, not isolated

Overprotection is now a leading compliance issue in hearing safety, but it’s entirely avoidable. By adopting smart technology like the uvex aXess one, and matching your protection needs to actual noise levels, training workers on correct fit and use, as well as cleaning and maintenance, you can prevent overprotection and ensure your workforce remains both safe and aware. The CUFF system is your guide to best practice; helping you protect hearing without compromising communication or compliance.

Ready to review your hearing protection programme? Contact the uvex team for expert advice and discover how the right approach can keep your business compliant, your workers connected, and everyone safer.

uvex aXess one earmuffs

uvex aXess one helmet earmuffs

Hygiene set for uvex aXess series

Earmuff helmet connection for 30-mm slot

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