Health surveillance plays a vital role in workplace safety across Australia. Regular checks like vision testing, spirometry (lung function), and audiometry (hearing) help detect early signs of occupational health risks and ensure compliance with WHS obligations.
From 29 July 2025, Queensland businesses must meet new legal requirements to protect workers from noise-induced hearing loss—one of the most common occupational health issues in Australia.
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What’s Changed?
The Queensland Government has reintroduced Section 58 of the Model WHS Regulations, bringing the state in line with New South Wales and Victoria when it comes to managing hazardous noise. For workplaces where employees are exposed to high noise levels and rely on hearing protection, audiometric testing is now mandatory – but only where PPE is used to manage exposure above the standard threshold.
Here’s what employers need to know – and how to prepare:
Why Audiometric Testing Is Being Introduced
Noise-induced hearing loss continues to be one of the most common occupational health issues in Australia. While hearing protection plays a vital role, it’s not a complete solution on its own. Without regular testing, it can be difficult to know whether protective measures are actually working or if damage is still occurring.
The return of mandatory audiometric testing is part of a broader push for stronger prevention and early detection. In Queensland alone, over 9,700 hearing loss claims have been made in the past 10 years. These changes aim to reduce that number by making regular hearing checks a standard part of health and safety protocols.
This reform follows a Regulatory Impact Statement process in 2023, where stakeholders called for stronger protections to align with other states and better prevent long-term hearing damage.
What the Regulation Requires
From 29 July 2025, if your workers are required to wear personal hearing protection to reduce their noise exposure, you’ll be legally required to:
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Complete baseline audiometric testing within 3 months of a worker starting a role where noise exposure exceeds the threshold
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Conduct follow-up audiometric testing at least every 2 years
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Maintain accurate, accessible, and secure records of all audiometric testing for a minimum of 30 years
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Use the results to assess the effectiveness of existing noise controls and PPE – and make adjustments where needed
These requirements apply when workplace noise exceeds an average of 85 decibels (dB(A)) over an 8-hour shift or a peak noise level of 140 dB(C).
Importantly, the requirement to conduct audiometric testing only applies when personal hearing protection is necessary to reduce a worker’s exposure below the regulatory threshold.
The existing noise exposure standards remain unchanged, and the duty to manage noise risks under Section 57 of the WHS Regulation continues to apply. These new obligations under Section 58 build on existing requirements where hazardous noise is present.
Who’s Affected?
Industries where hazardous noise is common will be most affected by the change. This includes:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Logistics and transport
- Mining and quarrying
- Waste management
- Warehousing and distribution
If you’re unsure whether your workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels, a professional noise assessment should be your first step to understand your risk and whether audiometric testing will be required under the new rules.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
While some employers may already offer hearing checks as part of their health and safety initiatives, these changes make audiometric testing a legal obligationin certain settings. Failing to meet the new obligations could result in compliance actions under the WHS Regulation, including penalties for not managing noise-related risks in line with the law.
But beyond fines, there are broader risks to consider. Without early detection, workers may suffer permanent hearing damage – leading to long-term impacts on quality of life, productivity, and workers’ compensation claims.
How Employers Can Prepare
Now is the time to review your noise management systems and make sure you’re ready for the new requirements. Here are some practical steps:
- Conduct or update your noise risk assessments to identify roles where hearing protection is required
- Develop a clear testing schedule that includes baseline and follow-up testing
- Inform and educate your workforce and leadership teams about the new obligations and purpose of testing
- Audit your record-keeping process to ensure data security rand long term accessibility
- Review and refine your noise control measures based on testing outcomes
How Healthworks Can Help
At Healthworks, our team will work with you to ensure that your people are protected, your obligations are met, and your workplace is one step ahead.
To read the full regulatory summary from the Queensland Government, click here
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