According to SafeWork SA noise-induced hearing loss can occur from ongoing exposure to high noise levels. The louder the noise and/or the more exposure a worker has to it, the greater the hearing loss may be.
To help further educate businesses on the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, SafeWork SA is undertaking a six-month campaign to raise awareness of noise-related risks, starting this month — which will include compliance audits across manufacturing, warehousing, transport, construction and mining industries.
During the audits, SafeWork SA inspectors will assess how noise is managed to prevent workers’ hearing loss, in accordance with the work health and safety regulations. This will include who and when hearing tests are required; allowing Inspectors to issue statutory notices to businesses where non-compliance has been identified.
Businesses need to understand that under the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations 2012 (SA), businesses must provide audiometric (hearing) testing for a worker if they are required to frequently use personal hearing protectors as a control measure for noise that exceeds the exposure standard. This testing must occur within the first three months of their employment and then every two years after.
If you are unsure if you need your workplace noise levels checked, you can find out by organising for one of our qualified Senior Consultants, WHS to undertake a workplace audiometric test, that will allow them to provide you with a detailed report on noise levels and recommendations on control measures.
Call us today at (08) 8300 0000 (select option 1) or enquire online here
