New audiometric testing requirements effective 29 July 2025

Excessive noise exposure is a common hazard on Queensland construction sites, and exposure to high noise levels can impair hearing, quality of life and reduce situational awareness, increasing the risk of accidents.

Further it can interfere with communication, hinder concentration, and mask critical auditory cues such as verbal instructions or warning signals.

Common sources of hazardous noise in workplaces include

• plant and equipment (such as powertrains and engine exhausts)
• demolition works (rock breaking, building or concrete slab demolition)
• power tools and explosive-powered tools
• concrete-pumping.

Part 4.1 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 requires persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) to ensure workers are not exposed to noise levels above 85dBA over an eight-hour period, or a peak noise level of 140 dBA.

New audiometric testing requirements for workers start on 29 July 2025.

Important regulation changes to the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 have been made to help prevent the risk of noise induced hearing loss.

From 29 July 2025, PCBUs must provide audiometric testing for workers who need hearing protection due to noise levels exceeding the exposure standard:

• within 3 months of a worker starting the relevant work
• at least every 2 years thereafter.

Workers already doing the relevant work must have their first test completed before 29 July 2027.

Workers starting the relevant work on or after 29 July 2025 must have their first test completed before 29 October 2027.

Audiometric testing should be conducted in accordance with procedures in Australian Standard 1269.4:2014 Occupational noise management – Auditory assessment.

Failing to comply with audiometric testing requirements could result in penalties for the PCBU of up to 60 penalty units.

Managing the risk of hazardous noise on your site

Although noise on construction sites cannot be eliminated completely, noise-induced hearing loss is preventable with careful planning and good work design that reduces noise and limits worker exposure.

Before starting a job, consider whether there is a quieter way of doing the task or whether plant or equipment can be substituted for something quieter. In addition, organise work schedules so that noisy work is done when less people are present.

Use of personal protective equipment should not be the only control you use—it should instead be used in conjunction with other controls. Hearing protection only works if it is used and fitted correctly, and even then, it only reduces exposure to the noise and does not eliminate it completely.

For more information about managing the risk of hazardous noise visit our Noise webpage.

The Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work Code of Practice 2021 (PDF, 1.57 MB) is being updated to reflect the audiometric testing requirements.

To find out more about the new audiometric testing requirements read our frequently asked questions.