WHY IS THIS BASE LINE HEARING TEST REQUIRED?
This base line hearing test forms part of checking that employees are fit for their particular work. It confirms that they are healthy to work and are free of any illness or other health issues or impairments, that may affect their ability to perform their work tasks correctly and safely.
WHY IS THIS BASE LINE HEARING TEST IMPORTANT?
This base line hearing test is important because it performs a base line hearing check (assessment) of an employee. This allows an employer to know if the employee is healthy and suitable to conduct the work that is required of them. This is important because certain jobs may require certain physical capabilities in order for their work to be conducted safely (both for themselves and for those around them). The base line hearing test allows these basic capabilities to be determined, allowing an employer to make an informed decision about whether the employee is capable or not and so whether they will work safely or not.
In certain cases, such as in construction work, this base line hearing test and its associated Annexure 3 form, are an important requirement to confirm the suitability of construction employees working on-site.
In cases where fitness or suitability for purpose issues may occur, this base line hearing test may be important as evidence to show the workplace suitability of employees for work, where legal concerns or financial claims may be involved.
BASE LINE HEARING TEST FREQUENCY
This base line hearing test needs to be completed according to the following frequency:
Entry Medical - Initially, as an entry medical, when an employee either joins the company or prior to when they are due to start the type of work that requires the base line hearing test.
Monitoring - A base line hearing test should then be conducted on an annual basis to confirm the individual is still healthy and fit for work and has not been affected in any way by the work being performed.
Exit Medical - Finally, an exit base line hearing test must be completed when the employee either completes the type of work they are doing or when they leave the company.
VALIDITY
This base line hearing test needs to be completed by certified Audiologist. A proper certificate must be issued, confirming the base line hearing test results of the individual and this certificate must be kept on record and carefully controlled.
Access to these base line hearing test details is strictly limited because they are confidential and personal in nature. Any access by non-authorised persons will need the signed consent of the individual to whom the certificate applies to.
HOW DOES THIS WORK AS A CONTROL MEASURE?
In the hierarchy of controls, this base line hearing test forms part of the administrative control measures which should be in place to ensure that employees are fit for the physical work requirements that may be expected of them. This base line hearing test records the details of an employee's physical appropriateness and suitability and provides evidence of control measure checks for the safe use of persons in the workplace.
BASIC BASE LINE HEARNING TEST CONTENTS
This base line hearing test (entry medical and exit medical) includes the following;
Audiometric (Hearing) Test
Medical History
OTHER FULL MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION
In certain work applications, further documentation maybe required and may form part of the full medical examination:
Food handling work may require a food handler questionnaire to be completed.
Construction work will require an Annexure 3 form.
