The Incident That Changed Everything

Brad had run his Melbourne-based plastics manufacturing business for over 15 years. His team was small, experienced, and tight-knit. The floor buzzed with injection moulders, robotic arms, forklifts, and conveyor belts—all working in harmony, or so it seemed.

Then one Monday morning, everything stopped. Claire, one of his longest-serving employees, reported a sharp ringing in her ears that wouldn’t go away. A doctor diagnosed her with noise-induced hearing loss. When WorkSafe Victoria got involved, Brad discovered his workplace had never conducted a professional noise assessment.

The fallout? A fine, a workers’ compensation claim, and a loss of trust among his staff. Brad learned the hard way what many manufacturing and warehouse operators overlook: unmonitored workplace noise is a serious—and costly—risk.

What Is Workplace Noise Testing?

Workplace noise testing, also known as a noise assessment, is a professional evaluation of sound levels in a work environment to determine whether they exceed safe exposure limits.

This process involves:

• Measuring noise in decibels (dB) using calibrated equipment
• Identifying areas and equipment contributing to excessive noise
• Assessing employee exposure over a typical shift
• Recommending control measures where required

In Australia, the threshold that triggers mandatory action is an average of 85 dB(A) over an 8-hour workday or peak noise levels exceeding 140 dB(C) at any point.

Why Is Noise Testing Important?

Noise testing helps businesses:

• Ensure legal compliance
• Prevent hearing damage
• Improve communication and safety
• Avoid fines and legal action
• Boost morale and productivity

Legal Compliance in Australia

In Australia, the Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations require businesses to:

• Identify hazardous noise
• Conduct workplace noise assessments
• Minimise exposure through engineering and administrative controls
• Provide hearing protection
• Monitor and document results

Non-compliance can result in penalties. WorkSafe WA reported that 40% of manufacturing sites failed basic noise safety standards. (DMIRS WA)

Protecting Workers’ Health

Safe Work Australia estimates that 1 million workers are at risk of occupational hearing loss. Noise exposure can lead to:

• Permanent hearing damage
• Tinnitus
• Stress and mental fatigue

Safe Work Australia Noise Data

Enhancing Workplace Safety

Missed alarms, inaudible warnings, and communication breakdowns contribute to industrial accidents. SafeWork NSW reports that 20% of preventable incidents are tied to poor communication in noisy environments.

Reducing Legal and Financial Risk

Noise-induced hearing loss claims, increased insurance premiums, and WHS penalties can cripple a business. 

Improving Productivity and Morale

The University of Sydney found that background noise reduced task accuracy by 67%. Constant noise increases stress, errors, and absenteeism. (Study Link)

What Happens During a Noise Assessment?

• Initial consultation to understand site-specific risks
• Use of sound level meters and dosimeters
• Analysis against WHS exposure standards
• Detailed reports with recommendations

How Often Should You Test?

Testing is recommended:

• Every year
• After changes in equipment or layout
• When employees report symptoms or concerns

High-Risk Environments

• Metal fabrication
• Food and beverage processing
• Timber and sawmill operations
• Warehousing and logistics
• Plastic and chemical production

How Enviro Corp Can Help

Enviro Corp specialises in professional workplace noise testing and compliance solutions for manufacturing and warehousing sectors. We help you:

• Conduct noise assessments
• Implement effective noise control strategies
• Stay compliant with state and national WHS laws

Conclusion: Don’t Wait for a Fine or Injury

Workplace noise may not seem like a top priority, but ignoring it risks health, compliance, and financial stability. For Australian manufacturers and warehouse operators, regular noise testing is not optional—it’s a legal and operational necessity.

Have you assessed your workplace noise levels recently?