Cotton Australia recently hosted a webinar to help growers understand the new mandatory audiometric (hearing) testing requirements under Work Health and Safety legislation. The session was led by Paul Sloman, Cotton Australia’s Policy Officer for Work Health and Safety, and Dr Richard Franklin, Professor of Public Health at James Cook University and long-time contributor to agricultural safety research.

Brendan Davis from Hancock Agriculture also shared practical insights from measuring noise on farm.

Watch the full webinar recording or read a summary of the key questions asked by growers and the responses given, below.

Does the code only apply to agriculture?

No. The requirements apply across all industries. Agriculture is affected, but not targeted specifically.

Do short, loud tasks require hearing tests for workers?

Brendan Davis explained that despite some tasks reaching more than 85 dB, his team’s exposure was short and infrequent. His measurements showed dose limits of 89% over nine hours and 95% over ten hours—both below the point where audiometric testing is required.
Richard Franklin added that the legislation is aimed at workers exposed to noise above 85 dB across a full eight-hour shift. On farms, noise levels tend to vary, and many tasks involve short bursts rather than constant exposure. Hearing protection worn during those short periods will reduce the risk.

Does older machinery increase risk?

Richard said older equipment is often noisier due to rattles, worn seals, or cabin leaks. Regular maintenance forms part of a good noise-reduction strategy. Even so, most farmers are unlikely to reach constant eight-hour exposures unless working around consistently loud machinery daily.

Do all employees need hearing testing?

While not compulsory for most farm roles, Richard noted there is value in establishing a baseline. More workers’ compensation claims are now related to hearing loss, so documenting your approach to noise management may help if issues arise.

Based on Brendan's experience, not all staff need to be tested as his noise testing showed the workers were under the 85 dB(A) threshold.

What type of hearing protection suits each job?

There’s no set list. Hearing protection is sold with a decibel-reduction rating, and growers should match that rating to the noise level of the task.

Richard advised avoiding low-rated budget earmuffs for louder environments. Specialist suppliers at field days can help growers compare ratings and choose appropriate products. Some situations may require both earplugs and earmuffs, though this can make communication difficult.

Do backpackers or short-term workers need testing?

Under the legislation, all workers—including backpackers, volunteers and contractors—must be treated the same. Richard encouraged employers to consider the tasks backpackers undertake and avoid placing them in high-noise situations for long periods.

Are there tools growers can use to measure noise?

Most phones now have simple noise-measurement apps. Richard said the built-in iPhone app is sufficient to guide decision-making and help growers record why certain safety decisions were made.

What equipment on farm is likely to exceed 85 dB?

Examples discussed included:

• older tractors without cabins
• jackhammers and pneumatic post drivers
• chainsaws
• hammer mills
• grain augers, particularly older models
• air compressors
• metal-on-metal noise in workshops
• slasher operations behind tractors

Watch the full webinar recording.