Regulation 58 – Audiometric Testing
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Here is a summary of Regulation 58 – Audiometric Testing under the WHS (General) Regulations 2022 in WA and what it means in practice for you.
Key Points of Regulation 58 (WA)
When it applies
Regulation 58 is relevant for any worker who is frequently required by their employer to use personal hearing protection because noise exposure exceeds the exposure standard
What the employer must provide & when
An audiometric test within three months of the worker starting work. This serves as a baseline. Then, follow-up or monitoring audiometric testing at least every two years.
Type of testing & standards
The audiometric testing must be of a type defined in regulation 58(1A): either pure tone air conduction threshold tests, or evoked otoacoustic emissions, or other tests recommended by an audiologist that are equivalent or better.
Must adhere to the procedures in AS/NZS 1269.4:2014 Occupational Noise Management — Auditory assessment. See WorkSafe FAQs
Definition of “frequently”
As the work health and safety laws do not define ‘frequently’, the ordinary meaning applies – often or commonly.” If hearing protection is part of the worker’s normal, regular tasks (not just occasional jobs), then it counts as frequent.
High noise exposures
If exposure is very high (for example, LAeq,8h ≥ 100 dB(A)), more frequent audiometric testing may be needed than every two years.
Who pays, and record‑keeping
The employer/PCBU must provide and pay for the audiometric testing. They must also maintain records of audiometric test results for at least two years. Workers must be given access to their individual results.
Implementation
The registration of a baseline hearing tests with WorkCover WA under the Workers Compensation legislation (now the 2023 Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act) is no longer a mandatory requirement.
The 2 yearly required audiometric testing now required by the Regulation 58 is for the purpose of risk management. It came into effect March 31 2024.
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