SafeWork SA’s new campaign targets risks in noisy environments.

A six-month campaign launched this month will include compliance audits across manufacturing, warehousing, transport, construction and mining industries.

During the audits, SafeWork SA inspectors will assess how noise is being managed to prevent hearing loss of workers, and whether proper hearing tests are being administered in accordance with regulations. 

Inspectors will issue statutory notices to businesses where non-compliance has been identified.

SafeWork SA says noise exposure is the most common preventable cause of occupational hearing loss and whilst preventable, once acquired it is irreversible.

Long-term exposure to noise can cause other physical symptoms, whether the noise is hazardous enough to cause hearing loss or not. These include increased blood pressure and heart rate, stress, reduced concentration, insomnia and changes to hormone, cholesterol and stomach acid levels.

Research suggests that exposure to noisy environments is also associated with a higher relative risk of accidents. 

“Workers with hearing loss greater than 15dB are three times more likely to be at risk of multiple accidents,” the regulator says. 

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 take place within the first three months of their employment and then every two years.

Without these tests, it is difficult for employers to determine the efficiency of noise exposure controls they have implemented in the workplace.