In workplaces where noisy machines, tools or equipment are used, noise levels can easily exceed safety limits. One of the most serious health risks involves long-term exposure to high noise levels, and NIHL is one of the most common occupational hazards in manufacturing, construction, mining. and aviation. NIHL is permanent and irreversible; thus, prevention and early intervention through noise assessment have become essential.

In addition to causing hearing loss, excessive noise can cause safety hazards by making it difficult for workers to communicate because they may not hear warnings or alarm signals. This can increase the risk of accidents, with a general deterioration in work performance due to the fatigue and stress experienced. Performing routine noise assessments helps detect hazardous noise levels, allowing businesses to take specific steps to reduce worker exposure, thereby safeguarding their health and well-being.

Legal requirements for noise assessment in Australia:

Clear requirements for workplace noise management are outlined in the Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations 2011. In summary, these regulations state that a business is required to assess the level of exposure to noise and is obliged to take the necessary measures when the level of exposure exceeds the national exposure standard.

The Australian noise exposure standard is:

• 85 decibels (dB) averaged over an 8-hour shift, or
• 140 dB for a single burst of sound, like an explosion.

Employers should conduct a noise assessment if it is likely that workers’ noise exposure will exceed these noise levels. If the exposure standard is exceeded, the company must take measures to control noise or reduce worker exposure.

The noise assessment process:

Noise assessment involves measuring and evaluating the noise level in the workplace. The general steps typically included are:

1. Identification of noise-related risks

Identification of areas or work procedures that may involve noise risks. This includes identifying specific machines, tools or workstations emitting loud noise, as well as processes or tasks that may expose workers to harmful noise levels.

2. Noise level measurement

Noise levels are measured at different locations in the workplace using special measuring equipment, such as sound level meters or noise dosimeters. There are two basic measurement methods, namely:

• Zone Noise Monitoring: Noise levels are measured in areas of the workplace, such as around machinery or near production lines. This is particularly useful for identifying “hot spots” where noise levels are particularly high.

Data can also be collected by a dosimeter that could be attached to the employee themselves to identify personal noise exposure during the entire shift. This is generally very accurate in representing an individual worker’s exposure.

3. Analyze the data

After the noise measurement, the data is analyzed to see if there is an area in the workplace that exceeds the standard of 8 hours of exposure at 85 dB. Additional measures should be taken if hazardous areas are identified to reduce noise exposure to workers.

4. Implementation of control measures

In the event that the noise assessment reveals dangerous levels to which workers are exposed, certain controls must be implemented. Examples of these controls are:

• Technical checks: This involves modifying equipment or processes at the source to reduce noise, for example by using quieter machinery or using soundproof barriers.
• Administrative controls: This refers to the formulation of policies that limit exposure; for example, rotating shifts or providing quiet areas to take breaks.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Earplugs or earmuffs should be provided to protect workers’ hearing when other controls are insufficient.

5. Monitoring and review

Noise levels should be measured regularly to ensure control measures continue to be effective. There is a need for periodic reviews of noise assessments, primarily where changes in equipment, work processes or the environment could impact noise levels.

Best practices for noise assessment

Noise assessments can only be considered properly and acceptably carried out by the regulations set by the Australian Government when the following best practices are implemented by any business:

1. Call on qualified professionals

Noise assessments require specialist knowledge and equipment. Companies are advised to incorporate qualified professionals, such as occupational hygienists, who have received the appropriate training to measure and evaluate noise levels in the workplace accurately.

2. Carry out regular assessments

Noise assessments should not be carried out just once; repeated assessments should be performed because controls and equipment may change and because of changes in equipment or processes that may expose new noise hazards. The frequency of these assessments will be determined by prevailing workplace conditions, but annual reviews are generally recommended.

3. Involve workers

Workers generally know when the noise level is too high. Employee involvement can ensure that potential hazards that might otherwise have been overlooked are discovered. Educating workers about the risks of noise and encouraging them to report concerns can help improve overall workplace safety.

4. Keep detailed records

Businesses must keep records of all noise assessments, including the methods adopted, areas assessed and the results of the assessment. Such records can assist in ongoing monitoring and review in addition to serving as evidence of compliance with WHS regulations.

5. Provide continuing education

Workers need training regarding their exposure to noise, the correct use of hearing protection, and awareness and identification of potentially hazardous noise levels. Refresher training provided at regular intervals will help employees remember and be aware of noise hazards and the noise protection available to them.

Conclusion:

Noise assessment is one of the most important aspects of ensuring workplace safety as well as health risks resulting from excessive noise which can pose a constant threat in some industries. The company will be able to identify dangerous noise levels by regularly carrying out noise assessments, implementing control measures and thereby protecting its workers from long-term health effects due to exposure to noise. Compliance with the legal requirements set out by the Australian WHS Regulations, as well as best practice in their application to noise management, will lead to a safe, healthy and productive working environment.