Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00426:front:0:p5
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00426
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 11477–14335

and if that is not possible, minimising the risks so far as is reasonably practicable. Eliminating a hazard will also eliminate any risks associated with that hazard.

1.3         What is required to manage the risks of hearing loss?

  Regulation 34-38: In order to manage risk under the WHS Regulations, a duty holder must:
  a) identify reasonably foreseeable hazards that could give rise to the risk
  b) eliminate the risk so far as is reasonably practicable
  c) if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk – minimise the risk so far as is reasonably practicable by implementing control measures in accordance with the hierarchy of control
  d) maintain the implemented control measure so that it remains effective
  d) review, and if necessary revise, risk control measures so as to maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, a work environment that is without risks to health and safety.
This Code provides guidance on how to manage the risks of hearing loss associated with noise by following a systematic process that involves:

    * identifying sources of noise that may cause or contribute to hearing loss,
    * if necessary, assessing the risks associated with these hazards,
    * implementing risk control measures
    * reviewing risk control measures.
Guidance on the general risk management process is available in the Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks.

Consulting your workers
Consultation involves sharing of information, giving workers a reasonable opportunity to express views and taking those views into account before making decisions on health and safety matters.

Section 47: The WHS Act requires that you consult, so far as is reasonably practicable, with workers who carry out work for you who are (or are likely to be) directly affected by a work health and safety matter.
Section 48: If the workers are represented by a health and safety representative, the consultation must involve that representative.
Consultation with workers and their health and safety representatives is required at each step of the risk management process. By drawing on the experience, knowledge and ideas of your workers you are more likely to identify all hazards and choose effective control measures.
You must also consult your workers when proposing to make any changes that may affect their health and safety, for example when planning to buy new machinery or equipment.
Health and safety representatives must have access to relevant information such as noise exposure data and potential control options. If you have a health and safety committee, you should engage the committee in the process as well.

Consulting, co-operating and co-ordinating activities with other duty holders
Section 46: The WHS Act requires that you consult, co-operate and co-ordinate activities with all other persons who