Workplace
Industrial Screening Audiometry
Industry has legal obligations under the National Code of Practice for Noise Management and Protection of Hearing at Work to regularly monitor the work environment. Regular screening audiometry must be conducted with employees who work in industries that are subject to noise levels.
For full information, view the National Code of Practice (external link PDF 401KB).
Hearing Link Tasmania has two qualified industrial screening audiometrists who conduct industrial baseline and monitoring screening according to Aus/NZS 1269.0 1998 Standards either in your workplace or at our offices. The service involves:
- medical and social history relating to noise
- basic otoscopy (ear check)
- written report with recommendations, including appropriate referral if required.
We can also provide Hearing Loss Prevention Education including fitting and wearing of appropriate personal hearing protection.
For more information view the Hearing Protection fact sheet (PDF 496KB).
"It gives me great pleasure to vouch for the professionalism displayed by Hearing Link Tasmania consultants in carrying out industrial screening at our workplace. The competent manner in screening and reporting processes reassured my staff and myself that complying with workplace standards can be an informative and useful experience.” (Manager, Richard Devine Marine Constructions)
To find out more about industrial screening contact us.
Workplace Assessments
Hearing Link Tasmania provides workplace assessments including recommendations and prescription of appropriate technology to assist Deaf and Hard of Hearing employees to function efficiently and safely in the workplace.
The range of workplaces we have conducted assessments has comprised heavy industry, manufacturing industries, call centres, child care centres and the transport industry. Assistance with appropriate technological assistance may be available from the Workplace Modifications Scheme (external link).
To find out more about workplace assessments contact us.
Rural Sector
Research conducted by Farm Health and Safety Research Venture in 2002 says that two thirds of 6000 farmers tested have noise injury (noise induced hearing loss). The main culprits are non-cabined tractors, feeding pigs in sheds and chain saws. Additional research into noise exposure in young adult farmers shows that there are currently 23% of young adult farmers with a noise induced hearing loss in the right ear and 27.9% with a noise induced hearing loss in their left ear. Significantly those who answered in the positive to the question, “Presence of the hearing loss suggested by family/friends?” were much more likely to have a hearing loss than those who answered “no”.
To view the full articles visit the Aghealth Australia website (external link).
Our experience
Hearing Link has conducted free hearing screenings at Agfest for the last 3 years and our results show very similar findings. In 2008 we screened 134 people and 79% had hearing loss.
Noise Prevention Program for Industry
Hearing Link offers an education program for management and workers who operate in 'noisy' industries. Education is part of the Aus/NZS Standards relating to hearing loss prevention management.
Following the session we expect that participants will:
- Have increased awareness about the impact of hearing loss and thence the importance of hearing protection measures.
- Encourage all employees to wear provided hearing protection (ear muffs/ear plugs) when working within an area marked as an ear protection zone.
- Be able to assess possible unsafe noise areas.
- Understand the importance of caring for equipment provided.
- Be able to respond to any reported equipment defects.
- Know the processes to follow if hearing loss is suspected.
- Understand the legal obligations under the workplace Occupational and Safety legislation and standards relating to noise in the workplace.
To find out more about our Noise Prevention Program contact us.
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