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The Department under their duty of care, has made available baseline hearing tests for all those employees who are employed in 'prescribed workplaces' as defined by the Workers' Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981. A 'prescribed workplace' is, for example, a workplace where a worker receives a daily noise level of 85 dB(A) or its equivalent. Employees in a 'prescribed workplace' may include:

• Gardeners;
• Design and Technology Teachers;
• Farm Staff;
• Physical Education Teachers (who use starter guns)
• Secondary School Music Teachers

The aim of the testing is identify noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). Noise reduction methods such as those outlined in the Department's booklet Noise Control Manual for Schools (1995) can be put in place to reduce staff exposure to noise.

Most of the Department's employees working in the above areas should have already been tested and those retiring or resigning are required to have an exit test.

The baseline test takes approximately 15 minutes and is paid for by the Department. Employees requiring a hearing test must not be exposed to noise greater than 80 dB(A) for 16 hours prior to the test and cannot be tested if they are affected by cold or flu symptoms. Ears should be free from wax prior to attending the test.

The test results are forwarded to WorkCover WA and stored there confidentially. Any further hearing changes will be measured against this baseline test.

A list of WorkCover accredited testers is available in the Hearing Testing Procedures on the Regulatory Framework.

Testing for the country area is normally directed to the nearest largest regional centre. Alternatively, Corporate Health Professionals also provide a mobile service. For further details on your regional provider, please contact Employee Support Bureau (9264 8651).

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