Noise pollution is one of the most common safety concerns on construction sites. Construction noise limits, also known as workplace exposure standards (WES), are in place to protect workers from the risks of hazardous noise. However, noise monitoring requirements are regularly updated in line with emerging research to keep site workers safe.  

Since 29 July 2025, audiometric testing has been mandatory in Queensland for all workers who rely on personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect them from hearing loss. This regulatory change is likely to affect most large-scale construction projects across Queensland, and by this stage in 2026, baseline testing should be complete and two-yearly monitoring cycles underway for every affected worker.

In light of this, this guide outlines the key noise monitoring requirements for 2026, including audiometric testing, construction noise limits and a checklist to help ensure full compliance.

Why construction noise compliance matters in 2026

From drilling and hammering to excavation work and the use of heavy machinery, construction noise is generated from a range of different sources and activities on site. Excessive noise exposure is known to contribute to a range of health-related problems, including high blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety, hearing impairment and even hearing loss in extreme cases. 

To protect workers on site, Safe Work Australia has set the WES for noise at no more than 85 decibels or higher over an 8-hour day or 40-hour week. Additionally, workers must not be exposed to noise levels exceeding 140 decibels, as this can cause immediate hearing damage. 

Exceeding the noise WES is considered a breach of the WHS Regulation. While you might be issued a compliance order to address noise issues, non-compliance can lead to significant fines, legal action, project delays and worker compensation. Failing to meet the audiometric testing requirement specifically carries a penalty of up to 60 penalty units for the PCBU.

As construction noise regulations continue to tighten, it’s more important than ever to understand your obligations and implement effective noise control solutions. At Control Hire, we understand the importance of maintaining compliance with local noise regulations, which is why we offer specialist noise consultancy services, noise management plans and noise control equipment for hire. 

What’s changing: audiometric testing rules in Queensland

Although audiometric testing was included as a requirement under Queensland’s Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 when it was first introduced in 2011, it was removed in 2014 after industry consultation.

While other jurisdictions across Australia had already introduced audiometric testing requirements into their work health and safety regulations, Queensland workers lacked the same level of protection. As such, the government reintroduced audiometric testing for Queensland workers.

The rule, in effect since 29 July 2025

The Queensland Government is introducing changes to hazardous noise requirements under sections 58 and 797 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. Under the new rule, employers must provide employees with audiometric testing within 3 months of the worker starting work, with follow-up testing at least once every two years. This rule applies to all workers who are required to use hearing protection as a control measure against the risk of hazardous noise. 

Construction noise limits: Know your site’s thresholds

Beyond Safe Work Australia’s WES, there are also local council and EPA guidelines that often apply to construction projects. These requirements typically vary by project type and zoning (e.g. industrial vs residential zones). Under the default noise standards in Queensland’s Environmental Protection Act 1994, building work that’s carried out by a registered contractor or builder, or under an owner-builder permit, is allowed from 6:30am to 6:30pm Monday to Saturday, with no work permitted on Sundays or public holidays. 

Meeting the standard hours isn’t the only test that determines compliance. Local councils also apply a “clearly audible noise” test to regulated devices such as generators, compressors and power tools: no clearly audible noise is allowed for a continuous period of more than five minutes within an “affected building” (a nearby home or occupied premises) outside the applicable restricted hours. This is an audibility test rather than a strict decibel reading, so noise that feels obviously loud to a neighbour can trigger a complaint even if you haven’t breached the WES.

Rules vary by state. Across Australia, normal working hours often follow a Monday to Friday window of 7am to 6pm, with Saturday limits varying. In Victoria, construction noise is generally restricted to weekdays from 7am to 6pm and Saturdays from 7am to 1pm, and construction noise must not be “unreasonable” under Victoria’s Environment Protection Act 2017. In New South Wales, Saturday work is commonly allowed from 8am to 5pm. In Western Australia, weekday construction work must occur between 7am and 7pm.

When it comes to Queensland construction works that need to be completed outside of standard construction hours, especially in dense urban or residential areas, project managers are often required to complete:

• An out-of-hours work (OOHW) permit,
• A noise and vibration management plan (NVMP), and
• Real-time monitoring and community notifications.

NSW’s Interim Construction Noise Guideline is one example of a risk-based framework used to regulate noise for out-of-hours approvals in that state.

Local councils have the power to make and enforce their own noise standards, so it’s always worth checking with your local council or state EPA guidelines before breaking ground. Control Hire’s team of environmental consultants can assist in securing these permits by providing supporting documentation and predictive noise modelling. These requirements apply to both residential and non-residential zones, and businesses should confirm site-specific conditions before work begins.

2026 noise compliance checklist for large construction sites

As a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), it’s on you to reduce your workers’ exposure to noise as much as possible and manage the risks of noise-related injury. You’re also responsible for managing construction noise on site in line with applicable industry guidance, including Australian Standards such as AS 2436-2010. Use this checklist to ensure your Queensland worksite meets the 2025 noise monitoring requirements and protects your workers.

Pre-construction planning

• Determine your site’s zoning and the noise standards that apply
• Identify noisy activities and equipment planned for the project (generators, power tools, air conditioners, blasting)
• Confirm normal working hours and whether any planned work will occur outside them
• Apply for an out-of-hours work (OOHW) permit if needed

On-site monitoring

• Install real-time noise monitoring equipment to determine whether levels stay within site limits, particularly where clearly audible noise may affect an affected building nearby
• Ensure logging meets local QLD WHS and council regulations
• Monitor both personal and environmental noise exposure
• Implement noise control solutions on-site by planning site layouts, using quieter equipment where possible, and noting that temporary acoustic barriers can significantly reduce noise emissions

Worker safety measures

• Identify workers requiring hearing protection
• Provide correct PPE with fit testing and training 
• Confirm baseline audiometric testing has been completed for all workers who started after 29 July 2025
• Implement a two-yearly audiometric testing schedule

Reporting and record-keeping

• Maintain logs of all monitoring results, including timing, duration, and the relevant noise types, so you can show when noise from construction may be unreasonable because it lasts too long
• Document PPE usage and training records, along with complaint records for each noise complaint, the actions taken to respond, and the relevant contact details
• Store audiometric testing results securely, and record any approved maintenance or operation outside standard hours as well as any safety risks identified during site checks
• Be audit-ready for regulators, clients, or your local council if they conduct an investigation

Whether you’re in need of noise control equipment, a noise and vibration management plan or noise consulting and compliance support, Control Hire has you covered with comprehensive noise management services and equipment support. See why Class 1 noise monitors matter for defensible compliance data, or compare your on-site options in our noise control matrix.  

Stay ahead of 2025 changes with Control Hire

With the latest updates set to come into effect at the end of July, it’s essential to ensure you’re doing your part to protect your workers and the surrounding environment from construction noise pollution. 

At Control Hire, we provide comprehensive noise management support, encompassing site assessments and monitoring to compliance reporting and noise control equipment for hire, including for regulated sources such as air conditioners at commercial or industrial properties. Need help meeting the 2025 noise monitoring requirements? Get in touch with Control Hire’s environmental consultants today.