Audiometric testing legislation update in Queensland to better protect workers’ hearing  

From 29 July 2025, audiometric testing will become mandatory for Queensland workers who require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent hearing loss associated with noise that exceeds the exposure standard. 

This requirement aligns Queensland’s rules with those enforced in New South Wales and Victoria, providing workers with regular monitoring and employers operating in multiple states with a more consistent approach to audiometric testing.

Periodic testing can identify early changes in hearing, possibly before a worker notices that damage has occurred. This enables employers and workers to take action to reduce the risk of further hearing loss using more effective PPE and/or increasing intervals between exposures, and as a result, reduce compensation claims. 

Under the new regulations, testing must be provided to workers where work PPE is required to protect them from exposure to noise above the legislated standard: 

• within 3 months of the worker commencing work; and then 

• at least once every two years. 

Employers must comply with this new testing requirement from 29 July 2025. For more information, see: 

• Section 58: Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 – Queensland Legislation – Queensland Government 

• Section 797: Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 – Queensland Legislation – Queensland Government 

What are the noise exposure standards?
Under the current Queensland Code of Practice, employers must implement control measures and provide audiometric testing if:  

• Average noise levels exceeding 85dB(A) over an 8-hour day 

• Or peak levels of 140 dB(C) 

Which industries are affected?
The new testing rules apply to workers across several industries, including: 

• Mining and energy 

• Logistics and warehousing 

• Agriculture and food production 

• Construction 

• Manufacturing 

• Roadwork 

• Transport and Freight (e.g. working with aircraft) 

How can employers protect their workers from hearing loss? 

Health and safety representatives are encouraged to use the guidance provided in the Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work Code of Practice 2021 (PDF, 1.57 MB). The recommended actions outlined are to: 

• Assess the noise sources and associated risks faced on their jobsite 

• Implement risk control measures, including ensuring that PPE is used correctly and consistently 

• Monitor workers through regular mandatory hearing testing  

• Regularly review and, if needed, adjust risk control measures 

How KINNECT can support employers 

KINNECT offers baseline and periodic pure tone audiometry testing – either as a standalone test or as part of a comprehensive medical assessment – to identify employees who may have occupational noise-induced hearing loss, ensuring early intervention and treatment are provided. 

Audiometric testing can be performed in one of our clinics or on-site, and all results are stored securely in Carelever Monitor for easy comparison over time.  

Employers will receive the Australian Standard report when audiometric testing is undertaken as part of a health surveillance program. 

KINNECT also now offers hearing fit testing to ensure that each worker’s hearing protection equipment is optimally fitted, reducing the risk of noise-induced hearing loss in high-noise environments. We employ a dual-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data to achieve the most accurate results. 

Contact our team today to discuss your needs and request a quote.