Workplace noise risk: Know the hazards and manage them effectively

Noise can affect people’s hearing, sometimes temporarily and sometimes permanently. As an employer, protecting the health and safety of staff, volunteers, contractors and visitors is your top priority. A key part of that is understanding the risks of noise exposure and how to manage them effectively.

Why workplace noise matters

Repeated exposure to loud noise can damage the nerve cells in the inner ear. While temporary hearing loss often recovers within 24 hours under quiet conditions, ongoing exposure can cause permanent damage, reducing the ability to hear high-pitched sounds. For the safety of your employees, workplaces must manage this risk. 

Read more about it here. 

Workplace noise regulations

Under the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations, workers must not be exposed to:

• More than 85 decibels over an eight-hour workday
• Peak noises greater than 140 decibels

Employers must eliminate or minimise noise risks as far as reasonably practicable.
For more details, click here for the Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work Code of Practice.  

The impact of noise on Australian workers 

From 2001 to 2015, there were an average of 4,700 claims for workplace-related hearing loss per year in Australia.

• 35% of claims came from the manufacturing industry
• 18% from construction

(Source: Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2025)

Identifying noise risks

Your staff know their workplace best. Consult with them about noise exposure and ways to reduce risks. Walk through the workplace and identify tasks that produce loud noise regularly.

Also check for ototoxic substances such as solvents, metals and certain chemicals. These can worsen hearing damage when combined with noise exposure. Learn more at WorkSafe. 

Managing noise risks

1. Eliminate

Remove noisy equipment or processes where possible.

2. Substitute

Use quieter machinery or modify existing equipment. When buying new equipment, ask for sound power level data.

3. Engineering Controls

Install barriers, enclosures or dampening materials to reduce noise.

4. Administrative Controls

Rotate staff between noisy and quiet tasks to limit exposure.

5. Personal Protective Equipment

Provide hearing protection that complies with AS/NZS 1270 Acoustics – Hearing Protectors.
Train staff on correct use and display signage in noisy areas. Regular audiometric testing is essential for employees using hearing protection.

Read more about noise risks at Safe Work Australia.   

Technology and innovation in noise control

Modern solutions include:

• Smart hearing protection with Bluetooth connectivity for communication
• Noise monitoring apps for real-time exposure tracking
• Automated machinery maintenance alerts to prevent excessive noise from wear and tear

These innovations help businesses stay compliant and protect workers.

Building a strong safety culture

Creating a strong safety culture is key. Encourage employees to report noise hazards and participate in regular training.

Find more resources at Safe Work Australia.

Practical tips for employers

• Schedule regular noise assessments
• Maintain equipment to prevent unnecessary noise
• Provide clear signage in high-noise areas
• Offer training on hearing protection and safe practices
• Review noise management strategies annually

Consider GIO Workers Compensation Insurance 

Protect your team and your business. Start by reviewing your workplace noise risks today, consult with your employees, and implement best practice controls. GIO can offer Workers Compensation Insurance for businesses in WA, NT, ACT and TAS. Complimentary training courses are available for GIO customers to help businesses prevent workplace injuries and reduce associated claims costs. Customers also have access to a wide range of discounted training courses provided through our partnership with National Safety Council of Australia (NSCA). For more information on the training courses or if you have any risk management queries, please get in touch.

Read more:

• Managing mental health in the workplace
• Workplace risks during the festive season
• Working from home: How to manage the occupational risks

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. In NSW, GIO manages claims as agent for the Workers Compensation Nominal Insurer ABN 83 564 379 108, also known as icare workers insurance.