1-7 March is Hearing Awareness Week, providing an opportunity for Global Skills to raise awareness of the causes of hearing loss in the workplace and the steps that can be taken to minimise the risks.

In Australia, 1 in 6 people experience some level of hearing loss, which can affect both their personal lives and workplace safety. According to SafeWork NSW, hearing loss in the workplace can result from prolonged exposure to noise, vibrations or certain chemicals (ototoxins). This makes it harder to hear important sounds, such as verbal instructions or warning signals, putting workers at risk. Employers play a crucial role in reducing the risk of noise-induced injury, which includes identifying noise hazards, conducting noise assessments, implementing suitable control measures, providing personal protective equipment, and regularly testing noise levels.

Hazardous noise in the workplace can be generated by machinery, traffic or loud tools, causing significant damage to hearing over time. Sudden intense sounds, like power tools or explosions exceeding 140dB(C), can result in permanent hearing loss. Vibration from tools such as chainsaws or jackhammers can also contribute to hearing loss as vibrations are transmitted through the body and affect the inner ear. In addition, ototoxic substances like solvents in paints or heavy metals can enter the bloodstream, damaging the cochlea (inner ear) or auditory nerve pathways, leading to hearing loss. These combined risks highlight the importance of protective measures to safeguard workers’ hearing.

One of the best ways to reduce these risks is by eliminating hazards where possible, such as opting for quieter machinery or isolating noisy areas to limit exposure. Providing hearing protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, is also essential in these environments. Where possible, alternative ways of working that reduce the need for vibrating equipment should be considered or tools that produce less vibration should be used. Control measures like substitution, isolation and ventilation can help reduce chemical exposures and personal protective equipment should be used to prevent skin and respiratory absorption.

Education and training can help workers understand the risks of workplace noise exposure and learn how to protect their hearing, while routine hearing health checks can help detect any early signs of damage.

For more information on hearing safety at work, visit https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au