Managing Noise in the Workplace is not just about comfort—it’s a legal obligation and a critical part of protecting your workers’ long-term health.

Excessive noise can lead to permanent hearing loss, reduced concentration, fatigue, and a higher risk of workplace incidents. For many small to medium businesses, the challenge is understanding what is required and how to manage noise practically and cost-effectively.

This month’s task focuses on helping your team understand both the “why” (legislation) and the “how” (practical controls).

Why Managing Noise in the Workplace Matters

Under Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws, noise is classified as a workplace hazard. Long-term exposure to hazardous noise can cause:

• Permanent hearing loss (noise-induced hearing loss)
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Increased stress and fatigue
• Communication difficulties leading to safety risks

Hearing damage is gradual and irreversible, making early management essential.

Legal Requirements for Workplace Noise

Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025, businesses (PCBUs) must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that workers are not exposed to health and safety risks.

Noise Exposure Standards

• 85 dB(A) over an 8-hour period (daily exposure standard)
• 140 dB(C) peak noise level

Businesses must implement control measures if workers are exposed above these levels.

Safe Work Australia Guidance

The primary guidance document is the Safe Work Australia Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work. You can access it here: Safe Work Australia – Managing Noise Code of Practice

This code provides practical guidance for complying with WHS laws and is recognised by regulators.

How to Manage Noise in the Workplace

To comply with noise management requirements, businesses should follow these steps:

1. Identify Noise Hazards

• Machinery, tools, vehicles, and processes
• Work environments with continuous or impact noise

2. Assess the Risk

• Measure noise levels where required
• Identify exposure duration and frequency
• Consider cumulative exposure throughout the day

3. Implement Control Measures (Hierarchy of Control)

Follow the hierarchy:

• Elimination – Remove the noisy process
• Substitution – Use quieter equipment
• Engineering Controls – Enclosures, barriers, silencers
• Administrative Controls – Job rotation, limiting exposure time
• PPE – Hearing protection (last resort)

4. Provide Hearing Protection

• Must be suitable and properly fitted
• Train workers on correct use and care

5. Conduct Audiometric Testing

• For workers frequently exposed to hazardous noise
• Within 3 months of starting work, then every 2 years

6. Training and Information

Workers must understand:

• Noise risks
• Control measures
• Correct use of PPE

Practical Example for Small Businesses

Workshop Environment:

Hazard: Grinder producing high noise levels

Controls:

• Install soundproof partial enclosures, barriers, or noise-reducing curtains (engineering)
• Limit exposure time (administrative)
• Provide hearing protection (PPE)
• Include training as part of monthly tasks

How This Links to Your Monthly Tasks 

This month’s task should focus on: 

• Reviewing your Managing Noise in the Workplace Policy
• Ensuring workers understand:
  • Where noise hazards exist
  • What controls are in place
  • When and how to use hearing protection
• Reinforcing expectations through toolbox talks

Example Monthly Task:

• Read: Managing Noise in the Workplace Policy
• Watch: Toolbox talk on hearing safety
• Acknowledge: Understanding of requirements
• Supervisor Walk: Confirm controls are being used on site

Key Takeaways

Managing noise in the workplace is about protecting workers before damage occurs.

By actively managing noise in the workplace, your business demonstrates:

• A proactive approach to WHS
• Ongoing worker engagement
• Practical compliance with legislation

Need Help Implementing Noise Management?

If you need support implementing noise controls or embedding this into your monthly task system, we can help you take a structured approach using CIRT. By working with us, you can ensure that your managing noise in the workplace procedures are fully compliant with WHS regulations, reduce the risk of hearing damage for your workers, and make your safety program more consistent and easy to monitor.

Our team can assist with:

• Reviewing and updating your noise management policies
• Providing practical staff training and toolbox talks
• Setting up ongoing monitoring and compliance checks
• Integrating these processes into your monthly safety tasks

Take action now to create a safer workplace, reduce potential liabilities, and demonstrate to your team that you prioritize both safety and legal compliance.

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