New hearing test requirements for NSW Employers and Workers begin 1 January 2024.

What’s changing?

To help prevent hearing loss in the workplace, employers must provide hearing tests (audiometric tests) to workers who frequently use hearing protection to control noise that exceeds the exposure standard*:

? within 3 months of starting their employment (baseline test)

? and a follow-up test at least every 2 years.

*The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (clause 56) sets an exposure standard for noise at an LAeq, 8h of 85dB(A) and a peak noise level at 140dB(C)

?

Who is affected?

If you currently employ workers who frequently use hearing protection to control noise that exceeds the exposure standard for noise, you will need to provide your workers with regular hearing tests.

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CLICK HERE to access to SafeWork’s fact sheet to assist your business with how to start preparing for the new hearing test requirements. There is also an online Webinar Protecting Hearing at Work CLICK HERE to access. This webinar explains how hearing is damaged at work, which WHS legislations relate to noise, the HOC and audiometric testing requirements. Along with useful resources & tools suited to all industries and businesses.

Please reach out to the team at Emjay Insurance Brokers for further advice and assistance.