Managing noise hazards in the workplace is not just about compliance—it’s about protecting workers’ long-term health and ensuring they can work safely and communicate effectively.
One of the most important (and often overlooked) steps is identifying noise hazards early, before they lead to hearing loss or safety incidents.
The SafeWork Australia Code of Practice provides a practical starting point—particularly through its Noise Hazard Identification Checklist. You can access the official guidance here: Model Code of Practice: Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work
Why Identifying Noise Hazards Matters
Noise hazards are not always obvious. Many workplaces gradually become louder over time, and workers may “get used to it”—even when damage is occurring.
According to the Code of Practice:
- Hazardous noise can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus
- It can make it difficult to hear instructions, alarms, or warning signals
- Noise contributes to fatigue, stress, and reduced productivity
Many businesses underestimate how quickly noise hazards can develop in everyday operations.
Key point for business owners:
You cannot control a risk if you haven’t identified it first.
What Are Noise Hazards in the Workplace?
A noise hazard exists when sound levels are high enough to potentially cause harm.
A simple rule of thumb:
If you need to raise your voice to speak to someone one metre away, the noise is likely hazardous.
This quick test can be applied immediately to identify noise hazards on-site.
Using the Noise Hazard Identification Checklist
The Noise Hazard Identification Checklist (Appendix C of the Code) is one of the most useful tools available for small businesses.
This form has also been replicated in CIRT to simplify monitoring.
It helps you quickly determine whether further action (such as a noise assessment) is required.
Key Questions from the Checklist
If you answer “Yes” to any of these, you likely have a noise hazard:
- Do workers need to raise their voice to communicate?
- Are noisy tools or machinery being used?
- Are there impact noises (hammering, pneumatic tools)?
- Are workers already using hearing protection?
- Do workers complain about noise or struggle to hear instructions?
- Do workers experience ringing in the ears?
- Have there been hearing loss claims or audiometry results showing damage?
- Is the equipment rated at 80 dB(A) or higher?
- Are workers exposed to noise plus vibration or chemicals?
The Code is clear:
A “Yes” answer indicates the need to carry out a noise assessment if the exposure cannot be immediately controlled.
Practical Example (Workshop Environment)
Let’s make this real for a typical engineering or manufacturing workshop.
Scenario:
A supervisor walks through the workshop and observes:
- Workers using grinders and impact tools
- Conversations requiring raised voices
- Occasional ringing complaints from staff
- Hearing protection worn inconsistently
Checklist Outcome:
Multiple “Yes” responses → Noise hazard confirmed
What happens next?
You move to the next step:
- Conduct a noise assessment, or
- Implement immediate controls if the risk is obvious
Where Businesses Often Get It Wrong
Many small to medium businesses:
- Jump straight to hearing protection (PPE)
- Skip proper hazard identification
- Don’t involve workers in the process
However, the Code emphasises:
- Hazard identification should involve consultation with workers
- You should understand where noise comes from and when it occurs
- Exposure is often cumulative across tasks
Simple Steps to Get Started
You don’t need to overcomplicate this.
Step 1 – Walk the Workplace
- Observe tasks, equipment, and behaviours
- Listen for loud or continuous noise
Step 2 – Talk to Workers
Ask:
- “Where is it hardest to hear?”
- “What tasks are the loudest?”
- “Do you notice ringing after work?”
Step 3 – Use the Checklist
- Complete the SafeWork checklist – I mean, complete it
- Document responses (this helps with compliance)
Step 4 – Take Immediate Action (Where Possible)
For example:
- Fix loose vibrating panels
- Separate noisy tasks
- Limit time in high-noise areas
Step 5 – Decide if a Noise Assessment is Needed
If risks remain unclear or cannot be controlled immediately.
Why This Approach Works
Using the checklist:
- Keeps things simple and practical
- Aligns with SafeWork Australia expectations
- Demonstrates you are doing what is “reasonably practicable”
- Creates a repeatable process for supervisors
Key Takeaway for Business Owners
Identifying noise hazards is not a one-off task – it should be part of your regular site inspections and supervisor routines.
If you build the checklist into your monthly or quarterly reviews (for example, through a system like CIRT), you will:
- Pick up risks early
- Reduce long-term claims
- Improve communication and safety
- Stay aligned with WHS obligations
Final Thought
Noise is one of the few workplace hazards where damage happens gradually—and often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
Proactively identifying noise hazards is essential to maintaining a safe, compliant, and productive workplace.
If you’re unsure whether your current approach is effective, it may be worth getting a second set of eyes. You can get expert support from CHD Partners here:
https://www.chdpartners.com.au/contact-us/
