What you need to know.

For many organisations, this represents a shift from reactive hearing checks to structured, scheduled health surveillance. At Employ Health, we are supporting clients to ensure their programs align with the updated requirements. Here’s what you need to know.

What Triggers the Requirement?

Audiometric testing is required when:

  • A worker is exposed to noise exceeding the exposure standard; and
  • The worker is required to wear hearing protection as a control measure.

It is important to note:

Providing hearing protection alone does not automatically trigger the obligation. The exposure standard must be exceeded and the PPE must be mandatory.
This applies across all industries, not just traditionally “high-noise” sectors.

What Is Audiometric Testing?

Audiometric testing is a painless, non-invasive assessment that measures a worker’s hearing threshold across different sound frequencies.

It is designed to:

  • Establish baseline hearing
  • Detect early changes
  • Monitor ongoing exposure impact
  • Inform risk control improvements

Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent — early identification matters.

Compliance Timeframes

The following compliance timeframes now apply:

Workers who commenced on or after 29 July 2025

  • Testing must occur within 3 months of commencing relevant work.
  • Repeat testing is required at least every 2 years.

Workers who commenced prior to 29 July 2025

  • Initial testing must be completed before 29 July 2027.
  • Ongoing testing must occur at least every 2 years.

For large or distributed workforces, this transition period requires structured rollout planning.

Penalties and Enforcement

Failure to provide required testing may result in penalties of up to 60 penalty units (approximately $6,000).

Regulators may also issue:

  • Improvement notices
  • Infringement notices
  • Prohibition notices
  • Prosecution in serious cases

Beyond financial penalties, non-compliance may expose organisations to broader risk if preventable hearing loss occurs.

Who Is Responsible?

The responsibility sits with the PCBU.

The PCBU must:

  • Organise the testing
  • Pay for the testing
  • Ensure it meets AS/NZS 1269.4 requirements
  • Maintain appropriate records

Testing can be conducted through compliant audiology providers. No GP referral is required.

Practical Considerations for Employers

Most organisations should review:

1.

Noise Risk Assessments

Confirm where exposure standards are exceeded.

2. 

PPE Requirements

Clarify where hearing protection is mandatory rather than optional.

3. 

Workforce Mapping

Identify which roles and workers fall within scope.

4.

Testing Logistics

Consider onsite versus offsite testing, shift-based workforces, remote and regional teams, and contractor inclusion.

5.

Tracking and Recall Systems

Two-year review cycles must be monitored and documented.

Beyond Compliance: Strategic Value

While this is a regulatory requirement, it is also an opportunity to strengthen occupational health systems.

Well-structured audiometric programs:

  • Demonstrate due diligence
  • Support defensible risk management
  • Improve early intervention
  • Reinforce safety culture
  • Reduce long-term liability exposure

For organisations already managing health monitoring (e.g. respiratory, lead, hazardous substances), audiometric surveillance should integrate into a broader occupational health framework.

How Employ Health Can Support

Employ Health provides:

  • Onsite audiometric testing
  • Integrated health surveillance programs
  • Compliance tracking systems
  • Multi-site rollout coordination
  • Support for remote and regional operations

Our approach is practical and designed to minimise operational disruption while ensuring compliance.

Queensland Compliance Support Ensure Your Audiometric Program Is Fully Aligned

The regulatory change is now in effect. If your organisation has not yet reviewed its noise exposure profile, testing schedule or recall systems, now is the time to act. A structured audiometric program does more than meet compliance requirements — it strengthens defensible risk management, protects workers, and reduces long-term liability exposure.

Contact us to book an Audiometric Compliance Review

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