In South Australia, audiometric (hearing) testing is not just good practice — it is a legal requirement for many workplaces. Under the national Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work Code of Practice, employers must provide hearing tests for workers who are frequently exposed to workplace noise and rely on hearing protection.
This guide explains exactly what South Australian employers need to do to stay compliant here, how often testing is required, and why engaging an on-site, AS/NZS 1269.4:2014 compliant provider is the most efficient and cost-effective way to manage your obligations.
Why Audiometric Testing Is Mandatory in South Australia
Work-related noise induced hearing loss is one of the most common and preventable occupational diseases. To address this, the national Code of Practice Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work was introduced in 2011. Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia transitioned to this Code from 1 January 2014.
From that date, South Australian employers whose workers are exposed to hazardous noise must follow strict rules around audiometric testing. The aim is to:
- Detect early signs of hearing loss before damage becomes permanent or worsens.
- Verify that hearing protectors are effective at keeping noise exposure below the national standard.
- Guide improvements to noise controls so workplaces become progressively safer.
- Provide clear evidence of compliance with South Australia's work health and safety legislation.
The Legal Framework: Code of Practice and Standards
The Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice
The Code of Practice provides practical guidance on how to meet work health and safety duties in relation to workplace noise. In South Australia, it is recognised as an approved Code, meaning regulators and courts can refer to it when assessing whether an employer has met their obligations.
For audiometric testing specifically, the Code sets out when testing is required, how often it should be carried out, and what employers must do with the results.
AS/NZS 1269.4:2014 — Occupational Noise Management, Auditory Assessment
To ensure tests are accurate and reliable, the Code recommends that audiometric testing be carried out in accordance with AS/NZS 1269.4:2014 — Occupational noise management — Auditory assessment.
This standard covers:
- Technical requirements for test equipment and calibration.
- Environmental conditions for testing (for example, background noise levels).
- Testing procedures and test frequencies.
- Training and competency of personnel conducting tests.
- Interpretation, recording and reporting of results.
When you engage a provider who complies with AS/NZS 1269.4:2014, you help ensure your hearing tests are:
- Technically sound and consistent across workers and sites.
- Legally defensible in the event of a claim or regulator inquiry.
- Useful for decision making about noise controls and PPE suitability.
Who Must Receive Audiometric Testing in South Australia?
Under the Code of Practice, audiometric testing is required where workers are frequently required to use personal hearing protectors due to hazardous noise exposure. In practical terms, testing is mandatory for:
- Existing workers who are regularly required to wear hearing protection at work, and who have been employed for more than three months.
- New workers who will frequently use hearing protectors because of hazardous noise, within three months of commencing work.
- Any workers whose noise exposure is controlled using hearing protectors so that it does not exceed the exposure standard. This is specifically referred to as mandatory audiometric testing in the Code.
The requirement excludes workers engaged for less than three months, although many employers still choose to test short term or labour hire workers as a risk management best practice.
How Often Must Audiometric Testing Be Done?
The Code sets out clear minimum testing intervals for workers who are frequently required to use hearing protection at work.
| Worker category | Timing of first test | Ongoing testing frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Existing workers (in role prior to 1 January 2014) | As soon as reasonably practicable after requirements commenced (baseline test) | At least every 2 years |
| New workers frequently using hearing protectors | Within 3 months of starting work (baseline test) | At least every 2 years |
| Workers where hearing protectors are used to keep exposure below the standard | Baseline test as above | Ongoing testing as part of mandatory audiometric testing |
| Any worker at reasonable request | On reasonable request from a health and safety representative for the worker's designated work group | As requested, in addition to the 2 yearly schedule |
Many employers go beyond the minimum every two years and adopt a risk based schedule. For example, high noise environments or older workers might be tested more frequently to pick up any changes early.
What Does Audiometric Testing Involve?
Audiometric testing is a straightforward, non invasive procedure that measures an individual's ability to hear sounds at different frequencies and volumes. In an occupational setting, the process generally includes:
- Pre test questionnaire to capture medical history, noise exposure and use of hearing protection.
- Otoscopic check (visual inspection of the ear canal) in many services to identify blockages or ear conditions.
- Pure tone audiometry, where the worker listens to tones through headphones and indicates when they can hear them.
- Comparison to previous test results (where available) to identify any significant threshold shifts or patterns of change.
- Clear explanation of results to the worker, including any recommended follow up.
When delivered in line with AS/NZS 1269.4:2014, results are documented in a structured, confidential format that supports both worker health and organisational compliance.
Why On Site, Mobile Audiometric Testing Is a Smart Choice
While it is possible to send workers to off site clinics, most South Australian employers now prefer on site, mobile audiometric testing. This approach brings the testing facility directly to your workplace, often using purpose built mobile units or portable equipment.
Key Benefits of On Site Testing
- Minimal downtime— Workers are tested in small groups or individually during their normal shift, significantly reducing travel time and disruption.
- Cost efficiency— No travel costs, less unproductive time, and the ability to test large teams in one visit.
- High participation rates— When testing is convenient, attendance is higher, making it easier to maintain full compliance.
- Consistent testing conditions— Mobile units are designed to meet acoustic requirements, improving result quality compared to ad hoc testing spaces.
- WorkCover ready reporting— Many providers deliver aggregated and individual reports that can be readily used for WorkCover documentation, risk assessments and safety committee reviews.
- Better planning of controls— When results are collected across a whole site or department in a short time, trends and emerging risks are easier to identify.
For multi site businesses, on site testing can be rolled out across several locations in a structured program, ensuring a consistent standard of care and documentation.
Industries in South Australia That Commonly Require Audiometric Testing
Any workplace where noise levels regularly exceed the national exposure standard may require audiometric testing. In South Australia, this commonly includes:
- Manufacturing and processing— Fabrication, metalwork, food processing, packaging, sawmills and similar facilities.
- Construction and civil works— Building sites, roadworks, demolition and infrastructure projects.
- Mining and quarrying— Surface and underground operations, crushing plants and associated services.
- Transport and logistics— Warehousing, freight handling, rail operations and heavy vehicle depots.
- Agriculture and primary production— Grain handling, intensive animal operations and machinery heavy farming.
- Utilities and heavy industry— Power generation, water treatment, recycling, engineering workshops.
Even within quieter industries, specific job roles — such as maintenance, grounds work or facilities management — may still trigger the requirement for hearing tests if hazardous noise is present.
How Audiometric Testing Supports Safer, More Productive Workplaces
Done well, audiometric testing delivers far more than a tick box compliance exercise. When integrated into your broader noise management strategy, it can become a powerful driver of safety, productivity and worker wellbeing.
Early Detection of Hearing Changes
Regular testing makes it possible to spot small shifts in hearing thresholds long before workers notice symptoms. This early warning allows you to:
- Investigate noise sources or work practices that may be contributing to the change.
- Adjust hearing protection selection or fit to improve attenuation.
- Introduce additional engineering or administrative controls.
- Encourage medical follow up where appropriate.
By acting early, you help prevent minor changes from turning into permanent and disabling hearing loss.
Verifying the Effectiveness of Noise Controls
Noise surveys tell you how loud your workplace is; audiometric tests tell you how well your protections are working in the real world. When you compare noise measurements with hearing test results, you can quickly see whether:
- Hearing protectors are correctly selected and fitted.
- Workers are consistently wearing PPE when they should.
- Engineering controls are having the desired effect.
- Certain tasks or locations are causing accelerated hearing changes.
This information lets you refine your control strategy in a targeted and evidence based way.
Supporting a Positive Safety Culture
Offering regular, professional hearing tests sends a strong message that your business values health and safety. Workers see that the organisation is willing to invest in their long term wellbeing, not just immediate productivity. This can lead to:
- Greater willingness to wear hearing protection correctly.
- More open reporting of noise issues or concerns.
- Higher engagement with other safety initiatives.
- Improved retention and reputation as an employer of choice.
Choosing an Audiometric Testing Provider in South Australia
Selecting the right provider is crucial for both compliance and outcomes. When assessing providers for on site or mobile audiometric testing, consider the following factors.
1. Compliance with AS/NZS 1269.4:2014
Confirm in writing that the provider's services comply with AS/NZS 1269.4:2014. This should be clearly stated in your service agreement or contract. Ask about:
- Equipment calibration schedules and documentation.
- Testing environments and noise control within mobile units.
- Standardised testing protocols and quality checks.
2. Tester Qualifications and Experience
Testing should be conducted by appropriately trained and competent personnel. Look for providers who can demonstrate:
- Formal training in occupational audiometry or equivalent.
- Experience working in high noise industries similar to yours.
- A strong understanding of South Australian work health and safety requirements.
3. Reporting and WorkCover Readiness
Effective reporting is essential for both internal management and potential claims. Ask potential providers to show sample reports and ensure they offer:
- Clear individual results for each worker, with explanations they can understand.
- Summary reports for management, showing trends and risk areas.
- Data formats that can be readily used for WorkCover and regulator reporting, if required.
4. Scheduling Flexibility and Coverage
Your ideal partner should be able to work around your operations, not the other way around. Consider whether they can:
- Attend your site at times that minimise disruption (for example, shift changes or quieter production windows).
- Manage both small teams and large workforce rollouts efficiently.
- Travel to metropolitan, regional and remote South Australian locations if needed.
5. Data Security and Confidentiality
Hearing test results are health information and must be handled with care. Confirm that your provider has robust systems for:
- Secure storage of audiometric data.
- Controlled access for authorised personnel only.
- Retention and disposal that complies with privacy obligations.
Integrating Audiometric Testing into Your Noise Management Program
To get the full benefit from audiometric testing, treat it as one part of a complete occupational noise management system rather than a stand alone task. A strong program typically includes:
- Noise assessments to identify hazardous areas and job roles.
- Hierarchy of controls (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative controls) to reduce noise exposure.
- Selection and fit testing of hearing protectors matched to noise levels and worker needs.
- Training and education on noise risks and correct PPE use.
- Regular audiometric testing in line with the Code and AS/NZS 1269.4:2014.
- Review and continuous improvement using test results and incident data.
When these elements work together, you not only meet your legal obligations but also build a safer, more efficient and more sustainable workplace.
Practical Compliance Checklist for South Australian Employers
Use this quick checklist to gauge how well your organisation is meeting its audiometric testing obligations in South Australia.
- Have you identified all roles where workers are frequently required to wear hearing protection due to hazardous noise?
- Have all existing workers in those roles received a baseline audiometric test (excluding those employed for less than three months)?
- Do you ensure new workers in those roles are tested within three months of starting?
- Is there a system to re test every two years and record due dates for each worker?
- Do you respond to reasonable requests for audiometric testing from health and safety representatives?
- If hearing protectors are used to keep exposure within the noise exposure standard, have you implemented mandatory audiometric testing for those workers?
- Does your chosen provider comply with AS/NZS 1269.4:2014, and is this documented in your agreement?
- Are test results securely stored and readily accessible for WorkCover or regulator inquiries?
- Do you regularly review results to identify trends and adjust noise controls or PPE?
If you can confidently answer "yes" to each point, you are well on your way to robust compliance and better hearing health outcomes for your workforce.
Turning Legal Obligations into Long Term Benefits
Audiometric testing in South Australia is a legal requirement for many employers, but it is also an opportunity. When you invest in regular, high quality, on site hearing tests delivered in line with AS/NZS 1269.4:2014, you:
- Protect your people from preventable hearing loss.
- Strengthen your defence against claims and regulatory action.
- Gain clear data to guide smarter noise control investments.
- Boost engagement with your overall health and safety program.
By partnering with a compliant, mobile audiometric testing provider, you can meet your duties under the Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work Code of Practice while keeping disruption low and value high. The result is a safer, more resilient organisation and a workforce whose hearing health is protected for years to come.
