Workplace noise level regulation still under consideration

24/9/93

Labour Relations Minister Graham Kierath today reminded the Opposition that regulations to reduce the level of workplace noise were still under consideration.

"I stated publicly in March when I revoked the regulations that the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Commission was conducting an overall review of all regulations and I expected to re-examine workplace noise levels as part of that review."

Mr Kierath said he had revoked regulations lowering the noise action level from 90dB(A) to 85dB(A), introduced by the former Government just prior to the election, because they had not been supported by all parties to the Commission.

"The Government was also concerned the introduction of the 85dB(A) noise exposure standard as an 'action' level in Western Australia would mean the conditions on industry here would be more stringent that in other parts of Australia."

The Minister said that industry needs practical guidance on ways to reduce noise levels and simply reducing the action level won't help.

"Employers have complained that existing regulations are complex and contribute little to protection of workers' hearing."

Mr Kierath expects the Commission to report to him by the end of 1993 on appropriate regulations for noise control.

The Minister also criticised figures cited by Mark Nevill MLC, Shadow Minister for Mines, that the action level of 90dB(A) represented a 22 per cent increase in hearing loss for exposed workers.

The United Kingdom's Health and Safety Executive has estimated 22 per cent of people would have a hearing handicap, caused by factors other than ageing and disease, if they were exposed for 90 decibels, eight hours a day, for 40 years.

"Mr Neville has demonstrated by his comments the pitfalls of uninformed persons tackling the noise area through political process."

Media contact:  Brian Coulter 222 9595