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Audiometric Testing in Brisbane’s Construction ...

Audiometric Testing in Brisbane’s Construction Industry

The building industry in Brisbane is fast developing. New infrastructural projects are changing the face of this city. High-rise buildings to transport networks, construction workers are continually exposed to loud machinery and equipment that may result in severe hearing damage over time. Audiometric testing in Brisbane is one of the most important safety measures to ensure that the construction workers of Brisbane can be protected against the dangers of noise-induced hearing loss.

Noise Hazards of Construction Work
Construction sites are very noisy, where all kinds of equipment such as jackhammers, drills, bulldozers, and cranes make a very high-pitched noise. Such noise-if one is continuously exposed to it without protection-may result in permanent damage to the ability to hear. The loud, constant noise has negative effects on the workers' hearing; this is why periodic audiometric testing is necessary.

For construction workers, the risk of damage to the hearing is more in Brisbane, especially with ongoing development projects in this city. Due to the constant noise generated on site, early detection through audiometric testing could save one from long-term problems concerning hearing. How Audiometric Testing Works in Construction
Audiometric testing is a very simple, non-invasive process: workers wear headphones and are exposed to various sounds across different frequencies and volumes. The results are recorded on something called an audiogram; this document is then analyzed for evidence of hearing impairment.
The regular audiometric testing will, on the other hand, enable construction companies to appraise the effectiveness of the existing hearing protection. This is also a very superb opportunity to make necessary adjustments, whether it would involve the supply of more advanced hearing protection or the modification of work practices that reduces exposure to noise.

WHS Compliance in Brisbane Construction
WHS - the Queensland laws, on the other hand, require construction businesses to undertake audiometric testing on workers if the personnel are exposed to noise levels in excess of 85 decibels. These include baseline tests upon hiring employees and periodic follow-up tests to monitor changes in hearing.

These regulations are not only mandatory, from a legal point of view, but also for the protection of workers' health. Construction companies that do not take into consideration regular audiometric testing may have to face certain fines and compensation claims, if their workers develop hearing loss due to working conditions.

Providing Adequate Hearing Protection
For this reason, audiometric testing has to go hand in hand with efficient HPDs. The workers at the construction company should be provided with quality earplugs or earmuffs and educated about how to use them properly. With respect to the noise level of each worksite, proper protection must be provided by HPDs.

Conclusion
Onsite Audiometric testing plays an important role that helps, in the end, to protect workers against noise-related hearing loss in Brisbane's construction industry. Continuous testing helps an organization to follow the regulations under WHS and provides all sorts of protection to construction workers in a noisy environment to safeguard their hearing.

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