Workers employed in a prescribed noisy workplace for the first time must have an initial baseline audiometric hearing test within twelve months of commencing employment. It is compulsory for the employer to arrange and pay for the audiometric test, (regardless of hearing protection being worn).
There are several strategies that can be used to prevent hearing loss in the workplace. In the first place,
- Engineering controls, such as noise barriers and soundproofing, should be used to reduce noise levels in the workplace.
- Education and training can help workers understand the risks of workplace noise exposure and learn how to protect their hearing.
- Supply, training and monitoring of PPE such as ear plus, ear muffs.
- Regular hearing testing can help to identify hearing loss early, allowing for prompt intervention.
- Signage and delineated areas.
Using hearing protection in noisy workplaces, such as earplugs and earmuffs are very effective in reducing the risk of noise-related hearing loss. These reduce the amount of noise that reaches the ear and help to prevent permanent hearing damage.