What Employers Need to Know — and Do

Starting on 29 July 2025, the law in Queensland will require audiometric testing. This new requirement aligns Queensland with existing rules in New South Wales and Victoria. It’s more than a policy update. It shows a national change in how businesses handle noise and protect workers from hearing loss.

If your workers are in noisy places, now is the time to check your health and safety duties. Make sure your noise control measures are ready.

Why Audiometric Testing Matters

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of Australia’s most common, preventable workplace injuries. It can develop gradually and permanently, often without workers noticing — until it’s too late.

That’s why an audiometric testing program is essential. It works like a hearing test and an early warning system. It finds changes in hearing levels before permanent damage happens. When integrated with a broader noise management strategy, it helps businesses both comply and protect their workforce.

What the Law Requires

Under current code of practice and OHS regulations, if your workers are exposed to:

• Average noise levels exceeding 85 dB(A) over an 8-hour day
• Or peak levels of 140 dB(C)

…you must implement a control measure and provide audiometric testing. This includes a pure tone hearing test done within 3 months of the worker starting exposure. After that, we conduct tests every two years.

Key Compliance Deadlines by State

Who Needs Testing?

Audiometric testing is required for workers across industries with significant noise exposures, including:

• Logistics and warehousing
• Agriculture and food production
• Mining and energy
• Construction
• Manufacturing

Health and safety representatives should make sure procedures are in place. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last resort, not the first line of defense.

The Bigger Picture: Integrated Noise Compliance

Audiometric testing is only one piece of a full compliance journey. At JTA, we follow a structured approach that integrates and ensures the effectiveness of all noise control measures. We call this: Detect. Protect.

Our services include:

• Occupational noise assessments
• Comprehensive noise assessment to identify hazards and recommend solutions.
• Noise awareness training and toolbox talks
• Educating your workforce and reinforcing the importance of preventing hearing loss.
• Implementation of hierarchy of controls
• From engineering controls to substitution, we help reduce noise at the source.
• Monitoring of test results and referrals
• We track results, refer cases with threshold shifts, and support clients with legally compliant follow-up action.
• Vibration, dust and chemical exposure assessments
• Supporting broader work health and safety efforts across your workplace.

“We’re seeing clear gains among businesses that proactively monitor workers exposed to noise that exceeds the exposure standard,” says Jackson Trotman, JTA’s Technical Director. “By acting on audiometric test results — whether through early intervention, improved training, or stronger controls — they’re reducing the risk of hearing loss while building more productive, compliant workplaces.”

Now Booking Ahead of the QLD Deadline

Many businesses in Queensland are preparing for their first audiometric tests. The deadline is 29 July 2025. Demand will increase — so early booking is essential.

JTA offers:

1. Onsite and mobile testing across metro and regional areas
2. Clear, compliant test results delivered fast
3. Expert support to simplify compliance and integrate testing with broader workplace controls

Call 1300 856 282

Email us at enquiries@jta.com.au

Learn more about our services:

Occupational Noise
Audiometric Testing
Building Acoustics
Noise Awareness Training
Occupational Noise Assessments
Occupational Vibration Assessments