Hazardous Noise and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is an increasing concern across many industries in South Australia. These include, but are not limited to, the construction, manufacturing, and transport industries.

28-32% of the Australian workforce is likely to experience loud noise at work (Safe Work Australia).

Hearing loss can occur through exposure to noise, vibration, and ototoxic substances.

WHS Regulations specify the exposure standards for noise in relation to a worker are:

85dB(A) aggregated over 8 hrs
140 dB(C) peak noise exposure.

Download the Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice and Hazardous Noise Fact Sheet for more information.

Please click on the following tiles below for information, that will help businesses and workers take an active approach to reducing the occurrence of NIHL in the workplace.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss is preventable.

Click here for an introduction to safety tutorial.

In This Section

Employer Responsibilities

Businesses have a duty to ensure that the noise their workers are exposed to does not exceed the exposure standard.
Worker Responsibilities

The harmful effect of hazardous noise can be immediate or cumulative, meaning the damage causing hearing loss increases with exposure over time.