Noise and Vibration

Helping you assess and control noise and vibration exposure — with clear, regulator-ready reporting and practical guidance.NSW.

Why Workplace Noise and Vibration Must Be Managed

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common yet preventable occupational health issues in Australia. Hand-arm vibration (HAVS) and whole-body vibration (WBV) can lead to long-term damage to nerves, joints, and blood vessels — often without early symptoms.

Under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017, employers must assess noise and vibration exposure where a risk is identified, and take action to eliminate or reduce harm. Compliance isn’t optional — it’s your duty of care.

Our Services – Practical Risk Assessment, Monitoring & Control Advice

We provide independent assessments to help you understand your risks, meet WHS obligations, and implement effective controls.

Occupational Noise Monitoring

We conduct full-shift or task-based noise assessments using Type 1 integrating sound level meters and personal dosimeters. This includes:

  • Measuring LAeq,8h to compare against the 85 dB(A) exposure standard

  • Assessing LCpeak levels against the 140 dB(C) peak limit

  • Identifying specific tasks, tools, or work areas contributing to overexposure

  • Mapping zones requiring hearing protection and signage

  • Providing recommendations for PPE, engineering controls, and administrative measures

All monitoring and reporting is aligned with AS/NZS 1269.1: Occupational Noise Management.

Vibration Risk Assessments (HAVS & WBV)

We assess hand-arm vibration (HAV) and whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure from tools, machinery, and plant using triaxial accelerometers and analysis software. We:

  • Quantify daily exposure against action values set by ISO 5349 and ISO 2631

  • Identify equipment and activities creating vibration risk

  • Recommend tool rotation, exposure time limits, and anti-vibration controls

  • Provide clear reporting suitable for WHS compliance and health surveillance planning

This is particularly important in civil, rail, construction, and utilities work environments.

Risk Control & WHS Strategy Support

Beyond measurement, we help you apply practical, defensible risk controls — and document your approach for compliance. Our team can:

  • Support SafeWork NSW improvement notices or enforceable undertakings

  • Assist with WHS Management Plans, risk registers, or contractor inductions

  • Advise on hearing protection policies, signage, and audiometric testing needs

  • Provide training or toolbox support on noise and vibration hazards

Industries We Support

We work with:

  • Civil and construction contractors

  • Mining and infrastructure operations

  • Manufacturing and fabrication workshops

  • Councils and government agencies

  • Waste, transport, logistics, and utilities sectors

Whether you have five workers on tools or a 500-person site, we scale our services to your needs.

Why Choose Confluence Environmental?

  • Experienced occupational hygiene consultants with field-tested solutions

  • All assessments aligned with SafeWork NSW, WHS Regulation 2017, and relevant Australian Standards

  • Fast reporting and practical, no-nonsense advice

  • Independent and outcome-focused — we work for your compliance, not to sell gear

  • Trusted across NSW for responsive service and professional integrity

Where We Work

We provide noise and vibration consulting services across:

  • Greater Sydney and Western Sydney

  • Central Coast

  • Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter Region

  • South Coast, Mid North Coast, and rural NSW

Need expert advice?

Need to measure workplace noise or vibration exposure? Responding to a SafeWork concern? Preparing for project tendering or WHS audits?

Call 0493 042 642 or book online to request a quote or site assessment.

A construction worker uses a compactor during a rebuild project of a Hunter Valley Road, a typical source of hazardous vibration in the workplace that Confluence Environmental typically services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Workplace Noise & Vibration

Q: What are the legal noise limits in the workplace?

In NSW, workplace noise is regulated under the WHS Regulation 2017. Employers must ensure workers are not exposed to:

  • A daily noise exposure level (LAeq,8h) greater than 85 decibels A-weighted [dB(A)], or

  • A peak noise level (LCpeak) exceeding 140 decibels C-weighted [dB(C)]

If these limits are approached or exceeded, a noise risk assessment is required — and controls must be implemented to reduce exposure.

Q: When do I need a workplace noise assessment?

You must conduct a noise assessment when:

  • Workers regularly use powered tools, machinery, or plant

  • Communication in the work area requires shouting to be heard

  • There are worker complaints, potential hearing risks, or SafeWork NSW concerns

  • You’re updating your WHS risk register, safety procedures, or tender documentation

  • You're unsure whether hearing protection is legally required

We help you assess exposure, document compliance, and develop cost-effective control measures.

Q: What is hand-arm vibration (HAVS) and why does it matter?

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a serious health condition caused by prolonged use of vibrating tools such as jackhammers, grinders, and drills. It can lead to numbness, tingling, loss of grip strength, and circulatory or nerve damage. Exposure limits are based on international standards (ISO 5349), and must be measured and managed to protect workers — particularly in construction, infrastructure, and maintenance roles.

Q: How is vibration exposure measured?

We use specialised triaxial accelerometers attached to tools or machinery to record vibration levels during real work tasks. The results are then used to calculate daily vibration exposure (A(8)), which is compared against action levels defined in ISO 5349 (for hand-arm) or ISO 2631 (for whole-body vibration).

From there, we provide clear recommendations to reduce exposure, such as tool rotation, anti-vibration handles, or work-time limits.

Q: Do I need audiometric (hearing) testing for workers?

If your workers are required to wear hearing protection as a control measure, you must provide baseline and periodic audiometric testing under WHS law. We can advise when testing is required, how often it should occur, and help you integrate it into your WHS system alongside your noise risk assessments.

Q: What happens if I don’t manage noise and vibration risks?

Failure to assess and control exposure can lead to:

  • SafeWork NSW notices or prosecution

  • Injury claims and workers compensation

  • Long-term health impacts such as hearing loss, tinnitus, or HAVS

  • Tender or project delays due to non-compliance

  • Reputational damage and higher insurance risk

We help you stay ahead of these risks — with clear documentation, expert advice, and practical control options.