Story Highlight
– Former commander attributes hearing loss to Ajax vehicle noise.
– Soldiers reported harm from vehicle vibrations and noise.
– Trials were halted twice over safety concerns in 2021.
– Investigation launched after recent injuries among troops.
– Manufacturer claims Ajax meets safety standards after improvements.
Full Story
The ex-commander of a dedicated team responsible for evaluating the new Ajax armoured fighting vehicle for the British Army has reported a significant decline in his hearing, attributing this loss to his experience with the vehicle. Rob Page, formerly a lieutenant colonel, has come forward to discuss the concerns he developed during his two-year involvement with the Ajax trials, which took place from 2019 to 2021.
During his tenure, Page observed alarming instances among soldiers in the Armoured Trials and Delivery Unit suffering from hearing damage attributed to excessive noise levels generated during operations, as well as physical ailments due to the vehicle’s intense vibrations while in motion.
In a recent interview with Sky News, Page outlined how, upon recognising these health risks, he promptly raised his concerns through the military chain of command. His recommendations included halting trials in both late 2020 and early 2021 until a solution could be found for the noise and vibration issues plaguing the Ajax. However, despite the passage of over five years, reports have emerged indicating that additional soldiers were injured last month while operating the 40-tonne tracked vehicles, shortly after Defence Minister Luke Pollard pronounced the Ajax safe and ready for deployment. The ongoing use of the vehicle has been temporarily suspended pending further investigation into these latest incidents. “It feels a bit like a repetition,” Page remarked, emphasising that “soldier safety has to come first, and foremost.”
Concerns surrounding the Ajax’s impact on soldier well-being began to arise during initial trials in 2019, where troops reported experiencing discomfort from the intense shaking associated with the vehicle’s operation. Page highlighted the various strains felt by soldiers, including pain in their hands, wrists, knees, and feet; he felt it imperative to address the matter swiftly to ensure the safety of troops working with the vehicle.
As the year progressed, the situation worsened, with personnel documenting ringing in their ears and suffering from what is classified as “whole body vibration.” To better understand the risks, Page’s team instituted a health tracking initiative, assessing soldiers’ health before and after their use of the Ajax. “That gave increasingly more evidence that like, hey, there’s a problem here,” he reflected.
In addition to concerns expressed within the trials unit, Page learned that a team of soldiers at a factory in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales—responsible for assembling the various Ajax models—was also facing health issues. This developing picture prompted Page to escalate the matter through formal channels to raise awareness about these risks.
A crucial point of concern he raised involved a “noise and vibration calculator” provided by General Dynamics, the American manufacturer responsible for the Ajax. He questioned the validity of the data utilized to establish what was deemed safe operation parameters for the vehicle, noting that soldiers experienced adverse symptoms despite adhering to these guidelines.
Page recounted drafting what he referred to as a “Chernobyl email”—a term that invokes the catastrophic nuclear disaster in Ukraine in the 1980s. In this correspondence, he voiced serious concerns about the risks being shouldered by soldiers, comparing it to past decisions made during the Chernobyl incident when military personnel were put in danger to manage the fallout from the disaster. Page articulated that while the Ajax operation adhered to prescribed exposure limits and controlled speeds, there was still an unsettling uncertainty regarding the quantifiable risks involved with noise and vibrations.
“I felt at the time what we were doing was we’ve got a vibration hazard, we’ve got a noise hazard,” Page elaborated. “We can’t quite quantify both, but we know they’re there.” He insisted on the need for an engineering solution as opposed to mere adjustments, which included increased cushioning and additional ear protection for the troops.
Following the suspension of trials in early 2021, Page and a cohort of soldiers were offered hearing assessments at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. It was through this process that Page learned of his hearing loss, which he had previously been unaware of amidst the joint strain resulting from vibrations in the Ajax vehicle.
Recalling the moment, Page said, “I was like: ‘Well, no, absolutely not’,” in response to a specialist’s assessment on his ability to track conversations in a noisy environment. He now faces an uncertain future due to his hearing condition, which has resulted in a 20% loss of his hearing and persistent tinnitus. He expressed that losing one’s hearing is particularly tragic, framing it as an irreversible disability and a prominent loss of a fundamental sense.
In response to the numerous allegations of health concerns related to the Ajax vehicle, General Dynamics UK has stated that significant efforts have been made to ensure the safety of the platform. The company affirmed their commitment to soldier safety and highlighted that Ajax remains one of the most extensively tested combat vehicles ever developed. They reported that adjustments have been made since the onset of noise and vibration concerns, with independent reviews confirming compliance with safety regulations as of February 2023.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence reiterated their commitment to ensuring personnel safety, asserting that the ongoing investigation illustrates their proactive stance on recognising and addressing such issues, emphasizing the seriousness with which they treat any allegations raised.
As the inquiry into the Ajax platform unfolds and new revelations emerge, the spotlight remains firmly on the health and safety of those tasked with operating these critical military vehicles.
Our Thoughts
The incident involving the Ajax armoured fighting vehicle illustrates significant lapses in health and safety practices under UK legislation, particularly the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Recommendations for improvement include:
1. **Regular Hazard Assessments**: More rigorous and continuous risk assessments regarding noise and vibration levels should have been conducted, in line with HSE guidelines, to identify and mitigate risks before soldiers were exposed.
2. **Proactive Communication**: The chain of command should have acted on Mr. Page’s concerns promptly instead of allowing continued operation despite reported issues. This aligns with the need for effective communication and responsiveness to safety warnings.
3. **Engineering Controls**: Instead of temporary workarounds like improved seat cushioning and ear protection, an engineering solution to reduce vibration and noise should have been prioritized, in line with the hierarchy of controls outlined by HSE.
4. **Comprehensive Training**: Proper training on the risks associated with operating Ajax and the symptoms of exposure should have been provided to personnel, enabling them to report conditions effectively and ensure their safety.
By addressing these areas, similar incidents can be prevented in the future, ensuring compliance with UK health and safety regulations.
