Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Code of Practice Checklist
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What This Checklist Is
This checklist is a practical self-review tool that helps businesses reflect on how noise risks and hearing loss are managed in their workplace. It is commonly used during internal reviews, planning activities, or improvement discussions where noisy tasks, equipment, or environments are present. The checklist is intended for owners, managers, and supervisors who want a clear way to sense-check everyday noise management practices.
It is a practical review tool, not a compliance test and not legal advice.
How This Checklist Relates to the Code of Practice
A WHS Code of Practice describes accepted ways of managing Work Health and Safety risks in Australia. This checklist reflects the key themes of the Code by focusing on how noise hazards are identified, risks are assessed, and controls are applied in real work situations. Answering “Yes” and “No” helps highlight where current approaches reduce the risk of hearing loss and where gaps may exist.
The checklist supports understanding of good practice without claiming legal alignment.
Why Use a Code of Practice Checklist?
Noise-related risks are often underestimated because their effects build up over time. A checklist like this helps clarify what “good practice” looks like when managing workplace noise. It supports early identification of weak or missing controls and helps businesses set clearer priorities for improvement.
It also supports more informed discussions with workers, advisors, or inspectors about workplace safety.
Key Features
Simple Yes / No checklist format
Written in plain English
Designed for Australian WHS Codes of Practice
Suitable for small and medium businesses
How to Use This Checklist
Work through the questions honestly, based on how noise is experienced during normal work rather than how it is assumed to be managed. The checklist is most useful when answers reflect real tasks, equipment use, and work patterns.
Treat “No” answers as areas needing further attention. Use the results to prioritise practical actions and revisit the checklist when work activities, equipment, or noise levels change.
What Inspectors Commonly Expect to See
Inspectors generally focus on how noise risks are identified and managed in practice, not just on written plans. They look for evidence that noisy tasks are recognised, risks are assessed, and controls are in place to reduce exposure. Tools like this checklist support informed decision-making by showing that noise and hearing loss risks have been actively considered.
Action and understanding usually matter more than paperwork alone. Inspectors often want to see that issues identified lead to practical changes.
Notes or action lists from checklist reviews
Changes made to risk controls or work practices
Records showing issues were identified and addressed
FAQs
What types of noise does this checklist cover?
It covers workplace noise from tools, machinery, vehicles, and processes that may affect hearing. The focus is on how noise risks are identified and managed in everyday work.
Is this checklist only for loud industrial workplaces?
No. Noise risks can exist in workshops, warehouses, maintenance tasks, and other settings. The checklist helps assess risk based on exposure, not just obvious loudness.
Does completing the checklist prevent hearing loss?
No. The checklist helps identify strengths and gaps but does not prevent harm on its own. It supports better decisions and improvements to noise control.
When should noise risks be reviewed?
Reviews are useful when equipment changes, new tasks are introduced, or workers report discomfort. Many businesses also review periodically to catch issues early.
Articles and Further Reading
Regulation s57–s59 – Noise – Establishes duties to manage risks to hearing from hazardous noise, including exposure standards and control requirements.
Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Provides practical guidance on identifying hazardous noise, assessing exposure levels, and implementing effective noise control measures.
About the Author
About the Author
Nathan Owen
Nathan has worked in construction for 15 years, primarily in health and safety and site management. He has frontline experience including operating plant and machinery and post-graduate qualifications in health and safety.