Noise hazards in manufacturing a focus for WorkSafe
An inspection program looking at noise levels in manufacturing workplaces will soon be held across metropolitan and regional areas of Western Australia by WorkSafe WA.
The program’s main objective is to raise awareness of how noise hazards should be assessed and controlled. It will continue throughout the 2015–16 financial year.
“We need to raise awareness that noise-induced hearing loss is a very common and potentially a very serious issue for workers,” said WorkSafe Director Joe Attard.
“Whenever inspectors visit a manufacturing workplace for any reason, they will also run through the noise checklist and ask employers if they have a hearing protection policy and, if so, whether it is being enforced and workers are actually abiding by noise control.”
According to Attard, the program has been initiated due to the fact that noise-induced hearing loss is one of the priority disorders under the national Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012–2022, with manufacturing also being one of WorkSafe’s priority industries.
“Inspectors will pay particular attention to small businesses, because past experience shows that small business employers are often less aware of what is required of them,” said Attard.
“The rule-of-thumb question often used in relation to noise is ‘Do you have to raise your voice when speaking to someone a metre away?’. If the answer is ‘yes’, the risk needs to be assessed and action taken to control it.”
This week is also National Hearing Awareness Week, running from 23–29 August.
“Hearing Awareness Week is the perfect time to highlight this proactive inspection program and remind employers of the importance of preventing work-related hearing loss in their employees,” added Attard.
“So if a WorkSafe inspector visits your workplace this financial year, expect them to check on your noise policies and be prepared to improve them if necessary.”
Further information on controlling noise can be found below:
For further information about Hearing Awareness Week, go to www.hearingawarenessweek.org.au.
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