Occupational Noise Assessments, Monitoring & Audits
Environmental Site Services (ENVSS) offers specialised occupational noise assessment, monitoring and audit services to assist WA business in meeting their legal obligations.
As a leading cause of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL), workplace noise is well regulated by the WHS Act 2020 and WHS (General) Regulations 2022. With vast experience across WA, our team know the ins and outs of these directives and tailor their services to ensure your workplace remains compliant, safe and informed.
Why Effective Noise Management Matters
Occupational noise remains one of the most significant causes of hearing loss in Western Australia. Unfortunately, there is no cure for NIHL – once hearing damage occurs it is permanent. That often leads to communication challenges, fatigue, isolation and personal safety risks.
Aside from health impacts, uncontrolled noise can also reduce staff concentration, interfere with critical communications and inadvertently mask alarms and warnings. Thus, managing workplace noise is important not just for compliance, but for maintaining a safe and productive operation.
Your Legal Obligations
Under the WHS (General) Regulations 2022, a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that workers are not exposed to noise above the exposure standard:
LAeq,8h = 85 dB(A) (8 hour average), or
LC,peak = 140 dB(C) (instantaneous peak)
If these limits are exceeded, PCBUs must implement control measures using the hierarchy of controls, and provide hearing protection compliant with AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 and AS/NZS 1270:2002.
The 2024 edition of the Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work outlines when and how occupational noise assessments must be conducted, including any time there are:
Identified noise hazards
Changes to equipment, layout or shift patterns
Significant modifications to noise exposure patterns
The previous five year interval guidance no longer applies.
What are the Compliance Risks?
Failure to conduct proper workplace noise assessments exposes your business to significant compliance risks. That is because you will not have the data to demonstrate exposure has been properly evaluated and suitably addressed.
Consequences can include enforcement actions and stop work notices, but your business will also increase its vulnerability to worker compensation claims. Regular workplace noise testing provides the defensible evidence you need to avoid those risks.
Occupational Noise Assessment Services
At ENVSS, we provide comprehensive, end to end assessments tailored to your site’s risks and operations. Our government approved noise officers complete surveys in accordance with the AS/NZS 1269 series and offer:
Task based, ambient and equipment noise surveys
Personal noise exposure dosimetry for workers
Mapping and identification of noise hazard zones
PPE evaluation against exposure risks and compliance standards
Recommendations for noise control using the hierarchy of controls
Assistance in developing Noise Management Plans and Buy Quiet policies
Toolbox talks and awareness training on correct PPE use
Appointed noise officers and compliance support for high risk sites
Support documentation for IEQ or Green Star accreditation
We ensure our reports are practical, audit ready and seamlessly implemented.
Audiometric Testing Services
Under Regulation 58 of the WHS (General) Regulations 2022, employers must arrange and pay for audiometric testing for any worker who is required to frequently use hearing protection due to exposure exceeding the standard.
At ENVSS, Our Workplace Noise Assessments Include:
Baseline audiometric testing within 3 months of employment in a noise exposed role
Monitoring (biennial) testing at least every 2 years or sooner if high exposure exists
All testing was conducted by competent personnel, compliant with AS/NZS 1269.4:2014
Use of calibrated Oscilla Audiometer SM930, TDH 39 earphones with 3M Peltor enclosures
Worker education, data management and actionable reporting
Record keeping for at least 2 years, with results accessible to the worker
Follow up testing if threshold shifts are detected, plus guidance on referral
On site training and toolbox sessions to reinforce hearing protection awareness
From 1 July 2024, the WorkcCover WA audiometric testing scheme and “Approved Audiometric Officer” system were discontinued. Testing is now entirely regulated under the WHS framework. Baseline tests from WorkCover may still be valid if compliant.
Ongoing Compliance & Management
Testing and reporting noise in the workplace is only one part of the picture. ENVSS supports your ongoing noise compliance through:
Tracking of biennial test schedules
Coordinated noise reassessments after equipment or process changes
Assistance with audit documentation and noise control planning
Tailored policy development and on call support
Whether you’re responding to a complaint, updating safety protocols or managing a new workforce in a high risk environment, our team is ready to assist.
Why Choose ENVSS for Workplace Noise Testing?
DLGIRS approved and WorkSafe recognised Noise Assessors
Testing compliant with AS/NZS 1269 series and WHS (General) Regulations 2022
Noise surveys, audiometry, training, reporting and compliance support – all conducted in house
Practical, risk based recommendations that balance safety and operations
Site specific and industry aligned services across WA, including the regions
What to Expect
An ENVSS workplace noise assessment begins with a site walkthrough. Here, our noise assessors identify sources of noise and any tasks that may elevate exposure. From there, we conduct the tests listed above to capture representative data.
Once testing is complete, we’ll provide a report that details whether workers are exposed to excessive noise risk and identifies high risk zones on site. You will also find practical recommendations for reducing risk and managing compliance, such as engineering controls and administrative changes.
Book Workplace Noise Testing Today
Protect your people and meet compliance obligations with ENVSS’ occupational noise assessments. Whether you need a one off audit or are looking for an ongoing management partner, our team can support every step of your process
For a tailored quote or to book your next audiometric testing round, click here.