General Environmental Duty requires organisations to minimise the risk of harm to human health and the environment by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing practical measures.

Effective workplace noise management involves identifying noise risks, monitoring exposure levels and linking results with audiometric testing to ensure workers are protected from harmful noise.

Workplace noise risks are often underestimated until hearing damage has already occurred. In this article, we explore five common gaps in workplace noise management, from outdated assessments and inconsistent audiometric testing to poor follow-through on control measures. Understanding these gaps can help organisations strengthen compliance, reduce risk and better protect their workforce.

Where hearing protection is required in the workplace, audiometric testing is an ongoing obligation under OHS and WHS Noise Regulations. For many organisations, this means hearing tests are not a one-off activity, but a recurring part of managing noise exposure and protecting worker health.

The recent coloured sand recall has become a major issue in Australia. This includes decorative sand, magnetic sand, and kinetic sand products that contain asbestos. It is the largest contamination problem for children's products since the NSW mulch incident.

A baseline audiogram is an initial hearing test used in workplace audiometric testing to establish hearing thresholds. It enables organisations to track changes over time, identify hearing loss early, and manage risks associated with occupational noise exposure.

Jeremy Trotman, Founder and Principal Occupational Hygienist at JTA, will speak at the ASBESTOS 2026 Conference in Sydney. His presentation explores the safe reclaiming and reuse of timber from asbestos removal and demolition projects, balancing compliance, worker protection and sustainability.

Workplace noise remains one of Australia’s most widespread and preventable occupational hazards. Despite long standing guidance, many workplaces continue to expose workers to hazardous noise levels that create a real risk of hearing damage.

Australia has added 31 new airborne contaminants to the Workplace Exposure Limits ahead of the 1 December 2026 update. This article explains what PCBUs need to review, which industries may be affected, and the practical steps workplaces can take to prepare. JTA provides clear, task-focused guidance to help organisations plan confidently and stay compliant.