The obligation
PCBUs must manage hearing-loss risks from noise and ensure the noise a worker is exposed to does not exceed the exposure standard.
Under section 19 of the WHS Act, a PCBU must eliminate risks arising from hazardous noise or, if that is not reasonably practicable, minimise them so far as is reasonably practicable. Duty holders with a role in managing noise risks include PCBUs; designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers and installers of plant, substances or structures; and officers. Workers also have duties, such as taking reasonable care for their own health and safety.
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- What
- PCBUs must manage hearing-loss risks from noise and ensure the noise a worker is exposed to does not exceed the exposure standard.
- Source
- safework.nsw.gov.au
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Labels
noise
hazardous noise
duty of care
PCBU
WHS
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Duty to manage risk of hearing loss from hazardous noise is a WHS requirement set out in Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work (NSW). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW). The relevant provision is Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work > Risk Management.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Duty to manage risk of hearing loss from hazardous noise is a WHS obligation under Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work (NSW). In short, PCBUs must manage hearing-loss risks from noise and ensure the noise a worker is exposed to does not exceed the exposure standard.
What changed recently?
Duty to manage risk of hearing loss from hazardous noise was last updated on 9 October 2026.
