From 1 January, SafeWork NSW has sharpened its focus on audiometric testing compliance, with stronger enforcement action now in place for businesses that expose workers to hazardous noise.
While the audiometric testing standard itself has not been re-written, the expectations around when testing is required, how it is documented, and how consistently it is carried out are now being actively enforced. For many businesses, this has been the difference between “best practice” and “regulatory requirement”.
Why audiometric testing is under the spotlight
Noise-induced hearing loss remains one of the most common and preventable occupational diseases in Australia. Despite this, SafeWork NSW continues to find that many workers:
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Have never received a baseline hearing test
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Are not being monitored at appropriate intervals
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Are wearing hearing protection without confirmation it is effective or necessary
From 1 January, inspectors are no longer treating these gaps as minor administrative oversights. Inadequate audiometric programs are now being met with improvement notices, fines, and formal compliance action.
What the law already requires (and is now being enforced)
Under the NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017, employers must ensure that workers who are frequently required to use hearing protection are provided with audiometric testing.
Key requirements include:
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Baseline testing within three months of a worker commencing noise-exposed work
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Ongoing monitoring at appropriate intervals (commonly every two years, unless risk dictates otherwise)
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Testing conducted in accordance with AS/NZS 1269.4:2014 – Occupational Noise Management: Auditory Assessment
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Records maintained and available for inspection
From January, SafeWork NSW is placing greater weight on evidence. Businesses are now expected to demonstrate that testing has occurred, not simply that it is “planned” or “offered”.
Common compliance gaps we are seeing
In recent months, the most common issues identified during inspections include:
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Workers exposed to hazardous noise without a baseline audiogram
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Lapsed testing cycles that were never rescheduled
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Hearing protection programs conducted by companies that didn’t meet Australian Standard
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Contractors and casual workers being excluded from testing programs
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No clear system for reminders or record keeping
These gaps are now more likely to attract enforcement action, particularly where workers have been exposed over extended periods.
What this means for your business
If your workers are exposed to hazardous noise, audiometric testing is not optional. From 1 January, regulators are expecting businesses to move from reactive compliance to structured, ongoing monitoring programs.
This means:
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Knowing who requires testing
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Knowing when testing is due
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Being able to prove it has been completed
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Acting on results where hearing shifts are identified
A robust audiometric program not only protects your workers’ hearing, it also protects your business from regulatory risk.
How Hayden Health & Safety can help
At Hayden Health & Safety, we support businesses across NSW with compliant, reliable audiometric testing programs delivered either on-site or in our clinic. We also assist with scheduling, reminders, and record management to ensure testing cycles don’t fall through the cracks.
If you’re unsure whether your audiometric program meets current expectations, or you’d like support bringing it up to standard, our team is here to help.
For further guidance, you can also refer to information published by SafeWork NSW or contact us directly to discuss your requirements.