Why Workplace Noise Is Back on the Regulator’s Radar

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.

Regulators are now tightening enforcement of noise risk management, including new requirements for audiometric testing in NSW (effective 1 January 2024) and QLD (effective 29 July 2025). Additionally, WorkSafe Victoria has emphasized a greater focus on noise exposure, urging businesses to actively manage and reduce these risks in line with existing WHS obligations.

Noise exposure remains widespread

According to information referenced by Safe Work Australia and Hearing Australia, more than 1.1 million Australians are exposed to hazardous noise levels in the workplace on a typical working day. This exposure is common across manufacturing, construction, transport, logistics and infrastructure environments, where equipment and processes generate sustained workplace noise.

National research also indicates that approximately 20 to 30 per cent of Australian workers experience noise exposure above recommended limits at work. Prolonged exposure to these noise sources significantly increases the risk of permanent hearing damage.

Data cited by hearing health authorities suggests that around 11 per cent of Australians have experienced noise induced hearing loss linked to occupational exposure. This makes workplace noise not just a comfort issue, but a serious work health concern.

Measuring noise and identifying risk

Managing noise risk starts with understanding actual exposure. This often involves noise measurement using calibrated equipment such as a sound level meter, as well as task based monitoring to identify high risk activities and dominant noise sources.

A structured workplace noise assessment allows organisations to quantify noise exposure, understand variability across tasks and shifts, and assess the risk of hearing damage. In many cases, multiple noise assessments are required to reflect changing work practices, equipment upgrades or new processes.

Noise measurement data also supports decisions around noise control, selection of appropriate hearing protection, and whether additional control measures are required.

Noise induced hearing loss is preventable but still common

WorkSafe guidance consistently identifies noise induced hearing loss as one of the most preventable occupational injuries. However, it continues to appear in workers compensation claims and long term health outcomes.

The vast majority of accepted occupational deafness claims are attributed to long term workplace noise exposure. These cases often involve gradual damage over many years rather than a single incident, reinforcing the importance of early intervention and ongoing monitoring.

Effective hearing conservation programs rely on a combination of noise control, engineering changes, administrative controls and personal protective equipment such as hearing protection. Where PPE is used, it must be appropriate for the noise level and supported by training and supervision.

The role of audiometric testing

Audiometric testing plays a critical role in identifying early signs of hearing loss and assessing the effectiveness of noise control strategies. From a work health perspective, audiometric testing should not be treated as a standalone requirement, but as part of a broader hearing conservation approach.

When testing identifies changes in hearing thresholds, this may indicate an increased risk of hearing damage and should trigger a review of workplace noise exposure, noise sources and existing control measures.

Why regulators are paying closer attention now

There are several reasons regulators are focusing more closely on workplace noise.

First, exposure remains widespread despite clear guidance and WHS regulations.

Second, noise induced hearing loss is largely preventable, yet continues to occur, raising questions about how effectively risks are being managed.

Third, improved access to noise measurement tools and audiometric testing means organisations have fewer barriers to understanding and reducing risk. Regulators increasingly expect businesses to use this information proactively to reduce noise and protect workers.

Inspections are therefore focusing not only on whether documentation exists, but whether workplaces are actively managing noise risk as part of their broader health and safety systems.

What this means for employers

Historically, many organisations have treated noise compliance as a periodic exercise. Testing is completed, reports are filed and attention shifts elsewhere until the next review.

Regulators are now examining whether organisations are actively managing workplace noise over time. This includes whether workplace noise assessments reflect current conditions, whether audiometric testing results are reviewed and trended, and whether effective control measures are in place.

A proactive approach to work health and noise management reduces the likelihood of hearing loss, improves compliance outcomes and demonstrates due diligence under WHS regulations.

Looking ahead

This renewed regulatory focus does not mean most organisations are doing the wrong thing. In many cases, gaps emerge because workplaces evolve and noise risks change.

In the next articles in this series, we will explore common gaps regulators are finding in noise management and what effective, defensible workplace noise assessment and hearing conservation practices look like in operation.

If workplace noise has not been reviewed recently, now is the right time to take a closer look.

JTA. Detect. Protect.