Industrial Workplace Hearing Tests

Industry WorkCover Audiometric testing has being available in Manjimup with the established South West Hearing Conservation and Industry Medical Services for the past 3 years. The business had operated in Bridgetown for 9 years, starting off small and now providing a full range of hearing and other services to industry as well as the general community.

Through Government Legislation, WA industry organisations (in conjunction with the unions) a testing program was setup, and industrial workers now have a well managed and comprehensive noise induced hearing loss testing and recording system.

Local identity, Doug Moyle has Qualifications and approval to conduct the Audiograms required for all industry needs.

In March 1991, the first official WorkCover tests were conducted to stringent standards using approved Audiometers, booths, audiometric officers and procedures. Under the duty of care legislation industry managers are required to ensure they meet the requirements of Health and Safety Standards, which includes audiometric testing for prescribed noisy workplaces.

South West Hearing Conservation and Industry Medical Services can also advise as to which areas and work personnel are affected, and those workers who are in a prescribed noise area can request an audiometric test every 12 months.

To obtain an accurate and true as possible hearing threshold there is a requirement to observe 16 hours of quiet (less than 80Dba) before the test. Subsequent testing of a person's hearing during their working life, will enable their working habits and/or environment to be adjusted accordingly. The individual can also learn the importance of good protection for the ears while in a loud noise environment, as damage done to the sensitive inner ear cannot be repaired. Most industries recognise the need to offer hearing protection of some sort, e.g. earplugs or protective earmuffs. Major industries require all workers in a "prescribed workplace" to undergo new/start audiometric testing and it is also recommended that employers also conduct exit-hearing tests. The WorkCover managed NIHL (Noise Induced Hearing Loss) is equal to any in the world.

Mr Moyle, who owns and operates the mobile service, said the benefits of a mobile hearing testing business in Manjimup are cost savings, and ongoing convenience service to local businesses and major industries. The mobility of the hearing van allows tests to be done on site and to suit the business's work schedule. Mr Moyle from the South West Hearing Conservation and Industry Medical Services, who previously worked in a local industry understands the time demands of businesses and works flexible hours to meet the need of each business requiring the hearing testing. The hearing tests, including the paper work, takes about 15 minutes per person.

The audiogram result is issued to the person tested for his or her own personal records. For further information regarding the WorkCover requirements for industrial hearing testing contact Doug on 0409 772 474.