Workplace noise testing is not a one off exercise. The survey you commissioned 18 months ago only provides an understanding of site conditions at that point in time – and those conditions rarely remain static.

As equipment is changed and procedures alter, noise exposure shifts. Understanding when to repeat an assessment is key to staying ahead of these changes, implementing controls and ensuring your project remains compliant.

In this article, we outline 5 triggers for a repeat occupational noise assessment. For more information or to arrange a test, speak with a member of our team.

First things first…

Why does workplace noise testing need to be reviewed in the first place?

It’s because noise exposure is directly linked to how and when work is carried out. Even a small change in the way you operate can have a big impact on the level and duration of exposure. It’s likely that your most recent assessment no longer reflects real risk if changes have occurred since it was completed.

Regular review ensures that exposure increases are identified and that control measures continue to perform as expected.

It’s a realistic approach

Repeat testing reflects the fact that no workplace is the same. Not the same as the workplace next door, not the same as the workplace it was 12 months ago.

Whether it’s market shifts or a new site, noise conditions change as your project changes. Conducting regular assessments is the most disruption free and accurate way of keeping ahead of the curve and understanding emerging risks.

Situation 1: Changes to equipment or processes

This is the most common trigger for repeat workplace noise monitoring.
New machinery can operate at different noise levels and changes to production methods can alter how long workers are exposed. Even like for like replacements can result in different levels depending on the equipment’s condition and maintenance.
Whenever you make an operation change, a reassessment is the safety was of confirming exposure remains within acceptable limits.

Situation 2: Changes to site layout and surrounding environment

The environment in which the noise occurs is just as important as its source.

If you’ve changed site layout by relocating equipment or modifying work areas it can affect how sound travels. For example, enclosed spaces and reflective surfaces can amplify noise and increase exposure for workers nearby.

Testing should be repeated whenever a change is made to ensure new risks are identified and controlled.

Situation 3: Increased workload or operating hours

More work = more noise.

Running equipment for longer shifts or introducing additional shifts may extend the duration of employees’ noise exposure. Even if the level itself remains the same, the greater the duration of exposure increases the risk of noise induced hearing loss.

Reassessment will determine whether existing controls are adequate for new your schedules. Audiometric testing for affected employees is also useful in this scenario.

Situation 4: Worker feedback and observations

In our experience, workers are often the first to notice changes in noise conditions. They know better than anyone when noise becomes louder, communication becomes more difficult and work becomes uncomfortable.

These observations should never be overlooked, even if previous assessments show acceptable exposure and no changes have been made. A repeat assessment will identify emerging risks and demonstrate respect for your staff.

Situation 5: After implementing control measures

Control measures are like site layouts and production schedules: they must be validated whenever they’re changed.

Whether its an acoustic barrier or an adjusted workflow, reassessment is the only method of quantifiably verifying that your controls are effective. Without follow up monitoring, you cannot confirm that exposure has been reduced.

This is essential for your compliance. Regulators want to see defensible evidence of proper risk management and will issue penalties if it cannot be provided.

Bonus Situation: Compliance Concerns

Federal, state and local governments impose noise management in their WHS regulations. Repeat assessments demonstrate that you are identifying and controlling risks in an active and ongoing way. Up to date data will prove invaluable should your project be subject to audit or inspection.

If you are concerned that your previous assessment may be outdated, conducting further testing will give you more representative and compliant data.

Contact ENVSS today and keep your occupational noise assessment current

If it has been some time since your last assessment or your site has evolved, it’s worth reviewing noise exposure.

ENVSS monitoring programs support businesses across Western Australia in understanding operating conditions and exposure risks. All testing is site specific and conducted with a compliance first lens.

To arrange monitoring, audiometric testing and other related services, speak with one of our accredited noise assessors.