Which NSW businesses need workplace hearing testing?

If your business operates noisy equipment and workers wear hearing protection, Clause 58 almost certainly applies to you. Here's a clear breakdown of what the obligation covers — and how to quickly confirm whether you're included.

Quick self-check

If two or more of the above apply, arrange testing. If you're unsure, a noise assessment by a competent person will confirm it — but for most construction, manufacturing, transport and warehousing businesses, the obligation is clear.

Which industries are most affected?

Clause 58 doesn't limit itself to specific industries — it applies wherever hazardous noise exists. In practice, the most commonly affected businesses include:

• Construction — civil, residential and commercial sites; crane operators, concreters, formworkers
• Manufacturing — production lines, press operations, metal fabrication, food processing
• Transport and logistics — freight depots, heavy vehicle fleets, loading dock operations
• Warehousing and distribution — forklifts, pallet jacks, loading equipment
• Trades — workers using angle-grinders, jackhammers, rotary hammers or concrete saws regularly
• Labour hire — agencies placing workers into any of the above environments carry their own obligations

What are the actual obligations?

Once Clause 58 applies, you must:

• Arrange a baseline hearing test for each worker within 3 months of starting in the noise-exposed role
• Arrange monitoring tests every 2 years while the worker remains in that role
• Keep records of all testing for the duration of employment plus 30 years
• Arrange follow-up action if a worker's results show a significant change

The obligation sits with the business — not the worker. Workers cannot be asked to arrange or pay for their own testing.