New Hearing Safety Rules Coming: What MPAQ Members Need To Know

Significant changes are on the horizon for all businesses in Queensland. From 29 July 2025, new obligations under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld) will require employers to take extra steps to protect workers from hazardous noise exposure, which is a common risk in the plumbing industry.

These changes bring Queensland in line with rules already in place in Victoria and New South Wales, and every business in Queensland must be ready.

What's changing?

Under Section 58 of the amended Regulation, any PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking)—this includes sole traders, subcontractors, and business owners—will be required to provide audiometric testing for workers who are required to wear hearing protection PPE.

From 29 July 2025, audiometric testing must be provided:

• Within 3 months of a worker starting noise-exposed work, and
• At least every 2 years thereafter

These changes are aimed at preventing noise-induced hearing loss, one of the most common (and preventable) workplace injuries among tradies.

Why this matters to plumbers?

Plumbers often work with or around:

• Jackhammers and concrete cutters
• Pressurised water jetters and grinders
• Pumps and mechanical plant
• Power tools in confined spaces
• Noisy construction sites

If your team is using hearing protection to meet noise exposure standards, these new rules apply to you.

What MPAQ members should do now?

To stay ahead of compliance and support your workers’ long-term hearing health, MPAQ encourages members to:

1. Review your noise risk assessments

• Identify high-noise tasks or environments common in your work.
• Determine if workers are relying on PPE to reduce their exposure.

2. Update your WHS procedures

• Clearly include audiometric testing in your safety policy.
• Ensure new employees complete a hearing test within 3 months of starting relevant work.

3. Engage a qualified audiometric testing provider

• Reach out to local providers now to plan testing schedules.
• Consider mobile testing units that can visit sites or depots.

4. Maintain accurate records

• Keep records of test dates, results, and any follow-up actions.
• This is vital for demonstrating compliance during audits or inspections.

Non-compliance? It’s costly!

Failure to comply could result in penalties of up to 60 units (currently over $9,000). More importantly, it can lead to permanent hearing damage for your workers.

High-risk activities require SWMS. Generate compliant SWMS tailored to each job in under 5 minutes with the Master Plumbers’ Safety system, which is available at no additional to MPAQ members. If you haven’t yet, register for access below.

Master Plumbers' Safety system

Need help?

MPAQ is here to support you through these changes.

MPAQ members can contact our Workplace Health and Safety team for advice on implementing audiometric testing and updating WHS procedures on 07 3273 0800 or via email on advice@mpaq.com.au.