Occupational hearing loss represents a very significant social and economic burden for Australia. Nationally, an estimated 1 million employees in Australia may be potentially exposed to hazardous levels of noise at work (in the absence of hearing protection).
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common
yet preventable occupational diseases, with an estimated more
than 1.1 million Australians exposed to hazardous noise in their workplace.
Many Australian workers are exposed to dangerous sound levels
damaging their hearing. According to SafeWork, over 10,000 people
have claimed compensation for noise-related ear damage in
N.S.W. workplaces in the last four years.
yet preventable occupational diseases, with an estimated more
than 1.1 million Australians exposed to hazardous noise in their workplace.
Many Australian workers are exposed to dangerous sound levels
damaging their hearing. According to SafeWork, over 10,000 people
have claimed compensation for noise-related ear damage in
N.S.W. workplaces in the last four years.
However, many affected workers aren't aware they're entitled to hearing loss compensation. N.S.W. recognises noise exposure as a significant workplace hazard, so regulatory bodies have systems to ensure fair compensation for occupational hearing loss. A worker can be entitled to between $520.00 to $650.00 per 1% binaural hearing loss.
The harmful effects on hearing of exposure to loud noise are well known. Besides hearing loss it has also been linked to annoyance and fatigue and to serious health conditions such as hypertension and heart disease. Proper workplace design, equipment and training can control occupational noise levels and workers’ exposures, thereby preventing hearing loss and many of the other effects. However, research suggests that several personal and institutional factors affect stakeholders’ willingness, ability or opportunity to adopt or use the most effective noise control and hearing loss prevention strategies. Among the most important of these factors are reliance on personal hearing protectors, lack of knowledge of the effects of noise exposure, low perceived risk of hearing loss, and lack of managerial commitment and support.
Occupational hearing loss can occur when you are exposed to loud noise or ototoxic chemicals while at work. Noise is considered loud (hazardous) when it reaches 85 A-weighted decibels (dBA) or higher. A-weighted decibels are a scale for measuring noise. Hazardous noise can cause both hearing loss and tinnitus.
The harmful effects on hearing of exposure to loud noise are well known. Besides hearing loss it has also been linked to annoyance and fatigue and to serious health conditions such as hypertension and heart disease. Proper workplace design, equipment and training can control occupational noise levels and workers’ exposures, thereby preventing hearing loss and many of the other effects. However, research suggests that several personal and institutional factors affect stakeholders’ willingness, ability or opportunity to adopt or use the most effective noise control and hearing loss prevention strategies. Among the most important of these factors are reliance on personal hearing protectors, lack of knowledge of the effects of noise exposure, low perceived risk of hearing loss, and lack of managerial commitment and support.
Occupational hearing loss can occur when you are exposed to loud noise or ototoxic chemicals while at work. Noise is considered loud (hazardous) when it reaches 85 A-weighted decibels (dBA) or higher. A-weighted decibels are a scale for measuring noise. Hazardous noise can cause both hearing loss and tinnitus.
Hearing test requirements for NSW workers
What legislation is this covered in? Clause 58 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017
The NSW Government has approved the commencement of Clause 58 – Audiometric Testing under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulation 2017 from 1 January 2024. This comes following an extensive period of public consultation in 2022.
If your business requires workers to frequently use hearing protection as a control measure for noise that exceeds the exposure standard, you must provide hearing tests for workers. The person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must organise and pay for the hearing test.
For new workers, a baseline hearing test must be completed within three months of commencing their employment. The worker must then get a follow-up monitoring hearing test at least every two years during their employment.
For existing workers employed before 01 January 2024, the PCBU must ensure that hearing tests are conducted before 01 January 2026.
Why does audiometric (hearing) testing have to be done?
To comply with the requirements of WHS Acts, Regulations, Codes and relevant industry standards.
WHS Regulation Clause 58 applies in relation to a worker who is frequently required by the person conducting the business or undertaking to use personal protective equipment to protect the worker from the risk of hearing loss associated with noise that exceeds the exposure standard for noise.
Testing is required:-
Benefits of a hearing test
Hearing loss…. The most hidden workplace injury.
Tips to protect your hearing on the job
Mend Services provide hearing loss testing on site, in our offices and part of our pre-employment medical assessments.
Please contact Mend Services on 1300 176 774 for more information or send your enquiry to [email protected]
What legislation is this covered in? Clause 58 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017
The NSW Government has approved the commencement of Clause 58 – Audiometric Testing under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulation 2017 from 1 January 2024. This comes following an extensive period of public consultation in 2022.
If your business requires workers to frequently use hearing protection as a control measure for noise that exceeds the exposure standard, you must provide hearing tests for workers. The person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must organise and pay for the hearing test.
For new workers, a baseline hearing test must be completed within three months of commencing their employment. The worker must then get a follow-up monitoring hearing test at least every two years during their employment.
For existing workers employed before 01 January 2024, the PCBU must ensure that hearing tests are conducted before 01 January 2026.
Why does audiometric (hearing) testing have to be done?
To comply with the requirements of WHS Acts, Regulations, Codes and relevant industry standards.
WHS Regulation Clause 58 applies in relation to a worker who is frequently required by the person conducting the business or undertaking to use personal protective equipment to protect the worker from the risk of hearing loss associated with noise that exceeds the exposure standard for noise.
Testing is required:-
- for workers using personal hearing protectors
- within 3 months of the worker commencing employment
- every 2 years (as follow-up test)
Benefits of a hearing test
- Awareness of noise hazards and actions required by the WHS Act
- Peace of mind that legal risks are minimised
- Compliance with requirements to avoid penalties
Hearing loss…. The most hidden workplace injury.
Tips to protect your hearing on the job
- Purchase equipment which generates lower levels of noise emissions
- Always wear appropriate hearing protection such as earmuffs or earplugs – especially in noisy environments
- Ensure noise reduction aids, such as mufflers, which are used on equipment or tools, are in working order; and report any faults to your manager/employer
- Limit the time you spend in noisy environments and take regular breaks in quiet spaces
- Use barriers or screens to block the direct path of sound
- Use remote controls to operate noisy equipment from a distance
- Participate in training programs about hearing protection and workplace safety.
- Familiarise yourself with safety guidelines and procedures
- Report any hearing-related issues or discomfort immediately to your supervisor, safety officer, or HR tea
- Get your hearing checked regularly, and if you notice any changes, see your doctor or an audiologist
Mend Services provide hearing loss testing on site, in our offices and part of our pre-employment medical assessments.
Please contact Mend Services on 1300 176 774 for more information or send your enquiry to [email protected]
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