Allen Whitworth, 65, worked for the council for 12 years maintaining and repairing gym equipment, and making boards and rails. He used circular saws, planers, spindle moulders, sanders and power drills.

His solicitors said the noise contributed to Mr Whitworth’s hearing loss and was compounded by a lack of hearing protection available to him.

Tests revealed he had suffered 17.7db noise induced hearing loss over certain KHz ranges and suffered from tinnitus, said Asons Solicitors. He cannot hear alarms or his phone ringing, and his tinnitus keeps him awake at night, they said.

"Hearing loss compensation can’t bring back a victim’s hearing, but it can go a long way to funding the aids and support that people need to improve their quality of life," a spokesperson said.