Salford wins at noise Oscars

The Oscars of the noise world, run by the Noise Abatement Society (NAS), took place at the Palace of Westminster earlier this month and the University of Salford came away with a top award.

Hosted by The Lord Balfe, The John Connell Awards 2024, awards were presented by Gabrielle Edwards CBE, Director for Environmental Quality (Defra).

They acknowledge the importance of the quality of sound in our lives, and champion vital advances in reducing the negative impact of unnecessary noise for the public benefit. Over 450 recipients from local authorities, industry, organisations and individuals have now been honoured for the significant impact they have made to improve the aural environment.

The University of Salford with partner Travis Perkins won the Quiet Mark Logistics Award 2024. The award recognises advances in low noise technology in the logistics industry to facilitate quieter delivery and services especially in urban areas.

The development of this innovative Sound-Informed Vehicle Alert Sound system for electric material handling equipment improves workplace safety by creating detectable but less intrusive sounds, enhancing worker health and customer experience. This solution promotes sustainability, reduces carbon emissions, and sets a new standard for industry-wide acoustic safety design.

Antonio Torija Martinez, from the University of Salford, said: “We are extremely proud of our work, which is contributing to the decarbonisation of the logistics industry.

“Our research led to the design of a sound alert that not only ensures the safety of customers but is also acceptable to forklift trucks drivers. Our hope is for our research outcomes to be shared with the industry to promote best practice.”

Gloria Elliott OBE, NAS CEO said: “Congratulations to the University of Salford and Travis Perkins on this joint initiative to reduce material handling equipment noise emission to benefit staff well-being and safety which could be used by all other goods depots across the UK.”