Audiometric Testing in WA: what WHS teams actually need to know

If your WA workplace requires workers to wear earmuffs or earplugs to manage noise, there’s a good chance you’re also required to arrange regular hearing tests for them under Reg 58. It’s one of those obligations that’s easy to know exists but surprisingly easy to get wrong in the details — the trigger point, the deadlines, who has to pay, and what actually counts as a valid test.

What triggers the obligation

The duty to provide audiometric testing in WA sits in Regulation 58 of the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 (WA). It applies when a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) requires a worker to frequently wear personal hearing protection to control noise exposure that exceeds the exposure standard — an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 dB(A), or a peak noise level of 140 dB(C).

Here’s the detail that trips a lot of people up: the word “frequently” isn’t defined in the Act. In practice, this means the ordinary meaning applies — if wearing hearing protection is a normal, regular part of a worker’s duties, the testing obligation kicks in. The safer assumption for any WHS professional is: if hearing protection is part of someone’s PPE, audiometric testing is very likely required.

Find out where you sit. See more about the specifics of Reg 58 and testing requirements in WA here

Onsite audiometric testing – Perth and WA

Our mobile onsite testing facilities help you to more easily meet your compliance obligations. We deliver onsite and FIFO-friendly ausiometric testing programs across Perth and regional WA.

We can also help you understand your obligations as an employer in WA.