Audiometric testing – minimising the risks of occupational hearing loss
Occupational hearing loss is one of the most common preventable work-related illnesses. Once acquired, it is permanent and can have a significant impact on a worker’s life.
Changes to Regulation 58- Audiometry of the Australia’s work health and safety regulations, ushers in a major requirement for employers to help ensure audiometry safety for employees.
These regulations are pivotal in safeguarding the health of workers exposed to potentially damaging noise levels in their workplace environments.
What are the changes to Regulation 58?
From 1 January 2024, changes to Regulation 58 of the Model Work Health and Safety Regulations in Australia stipulates workers who are required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) to control exposure to hazardous noise must undertake audiometric testing.
Audiometric testing must be conducted:
- Every two years for workers frequently required by their workplace to wear PPE as a control measure for noise that exceeds the exposure standard
- For new workers within three months of commencing their employment.
- Regular follow-up tests must be carried out at least every two years
These updated regulations provide a robust framework for monitoring and managing occupational noise exposure. They ensure that regular audiometric testing is conducted, enabling early detection and intervention for hearing loss.
What is audiometric testing?
An audiometric test diagnoses hearing loss by having the participant wear headphones that play tones at different frequencies, decreasing in volume. The participant presses a button when they hear a tone, and these responses create an audiogram, which is evaluated by a professional to detect hearing loss.
Our services include:
Audiometric testing services
Our team of Certified Occupational Hygienists (COH)® are here to assist our clients navigate and manage these updated regulations to ensure workplaces are compliant. Our Occupational Hygienists can assist with:
- Conducting a health risk assessment to identify working groups that could be at risk.
- Perform occupational noise surveys or employee noise exposure monitoring.
- Draft a Noise Management Plan.
- Noise Control Plans and Hearing Conservation Programs.
- Perform personal hearing protection (PHP) fit testing.
- Noise Health Monitoring (Audiometry).
- Deliver specialised noise awareness training to upskill and empower your team.
Prioritising audiometry testing and complying with the regulations is more than a legal requirement; it’s a vital commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of your workforce.
For further information:
New South Wales/ACT/Queensland/VIC – Dean Gleeson +61 427 693 371 or [email protected]
New South Wales/ACT/Queensland/VIC – Richard Wilkinson +61 413 94 538 or [email protected]
Western Australian/Northern Territory – Leigh-Roy van den Berg +61 418 891 928 or [email protected]
Resources
Further resources are available via the links below: