From the 1st of July, 2024 WorkCover WA hearing tests will no longer be performed by Spartan First. This change aligns WA with the national standards and updates have been applied to the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Regulations 2024. Moving forward companies must understand their responsibility for organising and managing Occupational Noise Programs.
The new hearing test services are:
- AS/NZS 1269.4 – Occupational Noise Management Audiometry Reference Test
- AS/NZS 1269.4 – Occupational NOise Management Audiometry Monitoring Test
- Screening Audiometry
A table outlining the differences between the new tests and the Workcover WA audiometry test is below.
| Hearing Test Comparison Table | |||
| Requirement | Screening Audiometry | Occupational Noise Management Audiometry | OBSOLETE
WorkCover WA Audiometry |
| When | Screening Service to provide a snapshot of a worker’s hearing on a particular day to assess if the hearing is adequate for normal conversation. | Required nationally under WHS legislation for workplaces in which workers are exposed to:
· Noise >85dB over an 8 hour period OR · Peak noise of >140dB |
For WA only and workplaces in which workers are exposed to:
· Noise >90dB over an 8 hour period OR · Peak noise of >140dB |
| Initial Audiometry Test | Depends on individual company requirements. | Reference Test
Must be completed within 3 months of commencing work. Requires 16 hours of quiet time before the test and otoscope examination. |
Baseline Test
Must be completed within 3 months of the worker commencing work. Requires 16 hours of quiet time before the test and otoscope examination. |
| Ongoing Tests | Depends on individual company requirements. Not typically required unless workplace noise levels change. Refer to AS/NZS 1269.4. | Monitoring Test
Must be performed mid-work shift. If a hearing threshold shift is identified, subsequent Monitoring Test with 16 hours of quiet time. |
Subsequent test if requested by the worker or at least every 2 years. |
| Frequency of Ongoing Tests | Depends on individual company requirements. | Required at least every 2 years after a Reference Test | At request or at least every 2 years after Baseline. |
| Testing Request | Employer only. | Employer only. | Employer at Baseline, then either worker or employer. |
| Paperwork | Performed on pre-employment paperwork supplied by your company or Spartan First. | Occupational Noise Management Audiometry with a signed consent form from workers. | Workcover WA paperwork. |
To Book an Occupational Noise Management Reference Test:
The Occupational Noise Management Audiometry Reference Test will replace the previous WorkCover WA initial hearing test performed during a pre-employment medical. This change will be updated automatically in your booking portal from July 1, 2024.
To Book an Occupational Noise Management Monitoring Test:
When booking a Monitoring Test, Spartan First needs the following information BEFORE the test.
- a copy of previous monitoring and reference tests (with worker consent)
- confirmation of the worker’s shift start time (to ensure the test is performed mid-work shift)
- confirmation the worker will have worked during that day, up until the time of the test.
If we do not receive the information requested above, a reference test will be completed in its place.
To Book a Screening Test:
The Screening Audiometry test will replace the test currently known as the ‘Standard Audiometry’ test.
If you have any questions or require further information please email reception@spartanfirst.com.au or call us on 1300 989 094.