Manufacturing industries are among the leading economic industries in New South Wales, employing several employees within the state. However, most manufacturing environments present high noise levels, thus exposing such employees to a considerable risk of sustaining damages to their hearing. Some of the safety measures to protect such employees from NIHL and at the same time to meet regulations in the Work Health and Safety is the audiometric testing.
Noise Exposure within NSW Manufacturing
These plants are usually very noisy, with much machinery, equipment, and production lines. Workers exposed for a longer period in such conditions are liable to NIHL, which is a gradual but irreparable kind of hearing loss.
This may include food and beverages processing, metal working, and automotive production, which can be considered as more common NSW-specific industries. Audiometric testing is important in monitoring the hearing health status of workers in those noisy machinery environments and, therefore, providing measures that protect them from possible long-term damage.
Audiometric Testing: How It Works
Audiometric testing is a pretty straightforward process. Workers are placed in a soundproof booth and asked to listen to tones through headphones, and the softest sound they can hear at any given frequency is registered, followed by charting on an audiogram.
By making regular audiometric testing, NSW manufacturers are able to monitor the early signs of hearing loss of their workers. This proactive approach by the employer means that they may be able to make such adjustments as providing better hearing protection or modifying the work environment as a way of reducing noise.
Manufacturing WHS Regulations in NSW
Workplace Health and Safety regulations also provide that manufacturers should ensure that all workers who are exposed to a level of noise exceeding 85 decibels are subjected to audiometric testing. In other words, employers should provide a base test at the time of employment and periodic tests to monitor any change in the hearing.
This will protect the manufacturer from possible compensation claims, as well as ensure a safe workplace by observing the regulations.
Providing Effective Hearing Protection
Along with audiometric testing, manufacturers should be able to provide laborers with the correct HPDs, which could include earplugs or earmuffs. This also involves proper training in the use of these devices so they are fully protected from exposure to noise.
Conclusion
Audiometric testing NSW has proved to be an essential safety measure in the manufacturing sector of NSW. Testing the audiological conditions of the employees periodically, along with providing them proper protection, prevents damage to the hearing capacity of the employees and assists in maintaining the conditions related to WHS. Hence, by prioritizing audiometric testing, manufacturers can ensure a healthier and safer workplace for their employees.
