With new legislation in Queensland (effective 29 July 2025), all cotton-growing states — NSW, QLD, NT and WA — now require employers to provide hearing tests (audiometric testing) for workers exposed to hazardous noise.

These laws align with the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations and ensure consistent protection for workers across the cotton industry.

Who Needs Hearing Tests?

Businesses (PCBUs – Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) must provide hearing tests for workers who:

• Are frequently required to wear hearing protection because workplace noise exceeds the exposure standard.
• May include: employees, contractors, apprentices, labour hire workers and volunteers.

Hazardous Noise and Exposure Standards

• Noise Exposure Standard:
• LAeq,8h of 85 dB(A) (average over 8 hours)
• LC,peak of 140 dB(C) (instantaneous maximum)
• Examples:
• ~85 dB = lawnmower, blender, leaf blower (safe for 8 hours)
• 91 dB = only safe for 2 hours
• 140 dB = instant damage (e.g. gunshot, sledgehammer)

Testing Timeframes

• New workers

o Initial test: within 3 months of starting work (or within 3 months before starting)

o Ongoing: every 2 years

• Existing NSW workers (employed before 1 Jan 2024)

o Initial test: by 1 Jan 2026

o Ongoing: every 2 years

• Existing QLD workers (employed before 29 July 2025)

o Initial test: by 29 July 2027

o Ongoing: every 2 years

• Workers exposed to very high noise (≥100 dB(A))

o Initial test: baseline test required

o Ongoing: more frequent testing

Employer (PCBU) Responsibilities

Employers must:

• Conduct noise assessments in line with AS/NZS 1269.1:2005.
• Pay for and organise hearing tests by a competent person (audiologist).
• Maintain confidential test records and provide copies when employment ends.
• Consult with workers and health and safety representatives about testing.
• Take action if damage is detected by:
• Reviewing and improving noise controls
• Ensuring PPE is effective and correctly fitted
• Adjusting work practices or equipment for safety (e.g. visual alarms, volume controls)

Worker Responsibilities

Workers must:

• Use provided hearing protection correctly.
• Report unsafe conditions or signs of hearing damage (e.g. ringing in ears, difficulty hearing speech).

Compliance and Enforcement

Inspectors will check for:

• Noise assessments and exposure records
• Evidence of hearing tests
• Worker consultation processes

Non-compliance can result in improvement or prohibition notices being issues in addition to fines and legal proceedings.

Why This Matters

• Protects against Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)
• Enables early detection of hearing issues
• Reduces employer liability
• Supports a safer, more productive workforce

Resources and Support

• Audiology Australia – (03) 9940 3900 | audiology.asn.au
• SafeWork NSW – Hearing test requirements for NSW workers | SafeWork NSW
• NSW Code of Practice – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work

Action for Cotton Grower Employers

If your workers frequently wear hearing protection:

• Schedule baseline tests now for new and existing workers.
• Ensure monitoring tests are in place by 2026 (NSW) and 2027 (QLD).
• Keep clear records and review noise controls regularly.