Australian Capital Territory
Work Safety (National Standard for Occupational Noise) Code of Practice 2010 
Disallowable instrument DI 2010-241
made under the  
Work Safety Act 2008, section 18 (Codes of Practice)

Explanatory Statement

Section 18 of the Work Safety Act 2008 provides that the Minister may approve a code of practice to provide practical guidance about the Act.  Section 18(2) provides that before approving a proposed code of practice, the Minister must consult with the ACT Work Safety Council.  At its 3rd meeting on 18 June 2010, the Council noted that approval would be sought to have the National Standard for Occupational Noise as a Code of Practice in the ACT.

The National Standard sets out the standard for exposure to noise in the occupational environment. The  standard is supported by the National Code of Practice for Noise Management and Protection of Hearing at Work which sets out practical guidance on how to minimise occupational noise-related injury; promote the recognition and understanding of the effects of exposure to noise; promote the adoption of a systematic approach to reducing and managing exposure to excessive noise; and promote implementation through consultation between employers, employees and employee representatives.

An employer, an owner of premises used as a workplace, a designer, manufacturer or supplier of places of work or of items for use in a workplace, a health and safety representative, an OHS professional, a worker or anyone else interested in reducing the incidence and severity of noise-induced injury that may result in the workplace will implement the recommended strategies for managing the risks.
 
The objects of the Code are to assist in reducing the incidence and severity of noise – related injuries to workers.

Following the Code could produce benefits that include-

•	improved business performance, efficiency and productivity;
•	fewer workers’ compensation claims, which may lead to lower premiums;
•	faster and easier return to work for workers who do sustain an injury;
•	fewer absences from work, and less disruption;
•	retention of skilled workers;  and
•	a safe workplace with a positive safety culture.

This instrument takes effect on 1 October 2010.

An approval under section 18 (1) is a disallowable instrument.