Workplace noise testing provides a clear picture of exposure on site, but it’s only the starting point. The true value of monitoring comes in what happens next.
ENVSS works with WA businesses to design and interpret reports, implement controls and ensure ongoing compliance with WHS standards.
In this article, we explain the 6 things you should do after an occupational noise assessment and how they protect your compliance. To arrange a consultation, contact our office.
1. Review the Results
The first step after workplace noise monitoring is to review the results in context.
Identify where exposure levels sit relevant to regulatory standards, typically 85 dB(A) over an eight hour period and 140 dB(C) peak. Also note areas and roles with high risk.
Be sure to look beyond individual readings and look for any patterns. These tend to provide a better picture of how noise exposure occurs and where controls should be focused.
2. Identify Required Actions
If exposure is exceeding (or likely to exceed) standards, you must take action.
This doesn’t have to mean immediate changes to every aspect of your operation. Instead, our noise assessors look for the most effective ways to reduce exposure.
For example:
- Reduce noise at the source through equipment changes or maintenance
- Isolate noisy plant
- Adjust shifts to limit exposure duration
Your goal is to decrease your reliance on PPE wherever practicable and instead focused on engineered and administrative controls.
3. Implement Control Measures
Once controls are identified, the next step is implementation.
Controls should be applied in a way that:
- Responds to the results of your occupational noise assessment
- Reflects how work is actually carried out on site
Some measures can be implemented quickly (e.g. updating PPE requirements or installing new signage). Others are more complex and may require greater planning and staged implementation (like redesigned layouts or engineered solutions).
The key is ensuring controls are applied consistently and understood by occupants.
4. Update Site Records
All site documentation should reflect your latest workplace noise test.
- Risk assessments and hazard registers
- Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
- Noise management or hearing conservation plans
- Training materials and procedures
- Health management plan
Updating documentation ensures noise risks are formally managed as part of your broader occupational hygiene approach. It also serves as a compliance record should your site be audited or inspected.
5. Improve Your Staff’s Understanding
Controls only work if building occupants understand them.
Following an occupational noise assessment, communicate findings and changes to those affected. Explain where high noise areas are, where PPE is needed and how they can make personal changes to protect themselves. If you plan to conduct it, it is also worth running through audiometric testing.
Our team gives training and toolbox talks that reinforce this information and ensure workers are aware of their personal role in managing exposure.
6. Verifying Controls Are Working
Once controls are in place, they need to be verified. Follow up monitoring will confirm if the workplace’s noise exposure has been reduced to acceptable levels.
Further testing is the only way to know that your actions have been effective. This is particularly true for engineered controls, where changes might not always produce the desired outcome. Audiometric testing may also prove useful for certain sites.
Proper Noise Monitoring Protects Long Term Compliance
Noise management is a continuous process. As conditions change, exposure levels do too.
Any change to site activity can influence risk. It is important to review workplace noise regularly and conduct fresh testing as needed. This is the only way to ensure your controls remain effective and compliant.
Our team offer an end to end service that includes compliance management. On top of keeping your assessments current and controls relevant, they will ensure all documentation is up to date and regulator ready.
Get in Touch with Our Team Today
A noise assessment provides all the information you need to manage exposure, but compliance depends on how you use it.
Working with our team, WA businesses can reduce their risks and have confidence that they are meeting their WHS obligations.
To discuss your results or arrange an occupational noise assessment, get in touch.
