Understand WorkSafe Hearing Safety Requirements
Workplace noise exposure is a serious health risk — and in Victoria, it’s also a legal responsibility. Hearsmart provides professional pre-employment and ongoing hearing assessments to help employers meet WorkSafe Victoria noise and hearing assessment requirements, while protecting their team’s long-term hearing health.
Victorian Noise Exposure Standards
(What Employers Need to Know)
Under WorkSafe Victoria regulations, the noise exposure standard is:
85 decibels (dB) averaged over an 8-hour workday, or
A peak noise level of 140 dB(C) at any time
If workplace noise exceeds these levels, employers must take steps to reduce exposure, including:
Eliminating or reducing noise at the source
Using engineering or administrative controls
Providing personal hearing protection (as a last resort)
When workers are required to use hearing protection regularly, ongoing hearing assessments are mandatory.
Employer Obligations for Hearing Assessments
(WorkSafe Victoria)
All Victorian employers must comply with the following WorkSafe hearing assessment requirements:
1. Initial Hearing Test
The first audiometric test must be conducted within three months of the employee commencing work in a noisy environment.
2. Baseline Hearing Test
This initial test establishes a baseline for future comparison and monitoring.
3. Ongoing Hearing Tests
Follow-up audiometric testing must be completed at least every two years.
4. Record Keeping
Employers must retain hearing test reports for the full duration of the employee’s employment.
5. Further Action if Hearing Loss Is Detected
If results show a significant hearing reduction — defined as 15 dB or more at 3000, 4000, or 6000 Hz over a two-year period — the employer must arrange a full audiological examination for the employee.
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