Herdman’s Flax Mill was founded in 1835 in Sion Mills by brothers James, John and George Herdman. At its peak, the mill employed hundreds of workers from Sion Mills and neighbouring towns such as Strabane and Omagh. It became a vital part of the local community, offering jobs to spinners, machinists and labourers, helping support many families in the region.

Despite its success, the global decline of the linen trade and increasing competition forced the closure of Herdman’s Mill in 2004, leading to the loss of 250 jobs.

Today, many former employees suffer from long-term health issues like industrial hearing loss, caused by years of working with noisy machinery without adequate protection.

Although Herdman’s Flax Mill was equipped with modern machinery for its time, there was little consideration for the hearing loss risks posed to workers. Employees often worked up to 69 hours per week without hearing protection, exposed to constant loud noise from equipment like:

• Spinning Frames – Operated at high speeds, these machines produced loud, continuous whirring and clattering sounds.
• Weaving Looms – Known for their repetitive clanging and mechanical vibrations, looms created an environment of constant high-decibel noise.
• Carding Machines – Used to process flax fibres, these machines emitted a harsh grinding noise that contributed to cumulative hearing damage.
• Industrial Cutters – These tools generated sharp, piercing sounds during the cutting and processing of linen, further worsening the noisy environment.
• Hackling Machines – These combed flax fibres to align them for spinning, with the mechanical action producing significant noise.
• Scutching Machines – Designed to separate fibres from the woody flax stem, scutching machines relied on noisy rotating blades or beaters.
• Beetling Engines – Used to pound linen fabric to create a smooth finish, these engines emitted a repetitive pounding noise.

Exposure to these machines long-term has led to widespread noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus among many former workers from Herdmans Flax Mill.

If you worked at Herdman’s Flax Mill in Sion Mills and are now experiencing symptoms of hearing loss or tinnitus linked to your time there, you may be eligible to make a claim. This applies to former employees exposed to noisy machinery in roles such as:

• Spinners
• Weavers
• Carders
• Labourers
• Maintenance Workers
• Supervisors or Foremen

Even if you left the mill many years ago, you could still qualify for compensation. Typically, you have three years from the date you became aware of your hearing loss to file a claim. However, exceptions may apply, such as cases where the cause of your hearing loss wasn’t immediately clear or if there was a delayed diagnosis.

No matter your situation, contact our solicitors as soon as possible. We’ll assess whether you meet the criteria and confirm your eligibility to claim within the time limit.

Our straightforward claims process is designed to make it easy for former Herdman’s Flax Mill employees in Northern Ireland to seek compensation for hearing loss caused by their work.

Step 1: Contact Reid Black
Get in touch with us to discuss your claim. Our solicitors will provide a free consultation to assess your eligibility and explain the next steps.

Step 2: Gathering Information
We will collect all the necessary details about your employment at Herdman’s Flax Mill, including dates, job roles, and the machinery you were exposed to. Our team will also gather evidence, such as witness statements or historic records, to strengthen your case.

Step 3: Medical Assessment
A medical assessment will be arranged with a specialist to confirm the extent of your hearing loss and its link to your time at the mill. Our solicitors will coordinate this appointment and ensure the medical evidence supports your claim.

Step 4: Compensation Negotiations
Once your case is built, we will negotiate with the responsible parties or their insurers to secure a fair settlement. Our experienced team will handle all communication and fight to achieve maximum compensation for you.

Step 5: Compensation Payout
When your claim is successful, your compensation will be paid directly to you. Our solicitors will ensure you receive your payment promptly and with full transparency.

Compensation for hearing loss claims against Herdman’s Flax Mill is typically paid by the employer’s insurance provider, not the company directly. Even though the mill closed in 2004, its insurers remain liable for claims arising from inadequate workplace protections during its operation.

The amount of compensation is calculated based on several factors, including:

• The severity of your hearing loss.
• Whether you experience tinnitus.
• The impact these conditions have on your daily life.

Northern Ireland’s guidelines for general damages suggest compensation for hearing loss ranges from anywhere up to £20,000 for mild tinnitus, to £200,000 for severe hearing loss. Compensation will also include special damages, covering financial losses such as medical expenses, hearing aids or lost income.

Once our solicitors negotiate a fair compensation amount you agree with, payments can be made as a lump sum or in instalments, depending on your preference.