Noise At Work Assessments

Where there is a reasonable likelihood that employees may be exposed to elevated noise levels, a proportionate Noise at Work Assessment is required. 

When is a Noise at Work Assessment Required? 

Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identifies that an assessment becomes necessary where employees are likely to be exposed to noise at or above the lower exposure action values. 

As a practical benchmark, if the working environment is noticeably louder than typical day-to-day conditions, there is a strong possibility that this threshold is exceeded. A level of 80 dB(A)—the lower action value—is broadly comparable to a busy road, a crowded restaurant or a domestic vacuum cleaner. 

Noise Exposure Action Values 

The Regulations define three key thresholds, expressed in terms of daily or weekly personal exposure and peak sound pressure: 

Where noise exposure varies significantly between days, a weekly exposure level may be calculated to provide a more representative assessment. 

Role of Hearing Protection 

The provision of hearing protection does not remove the requirement to undertake a Noise at Work Assessment. 

Importantly, when determining an individual’s exposure, any attenuation provided by hearing protection must not be considered. The Regulations prioritise noise control at source and along the transmission path, with personal protective equipment intended only as: 

• A temporary measure while engineering or administrative controls are implemented, or 
• A supplementary control where residual risks remain. 

Managing Compliance 

An effective Noise at Work Assessment provides the foundation for compliance, enabling employers to: 

• Quantify employee exposure levels 
• Identify higher-risk activities or areas 
• Implement appropriate mitigation measures 
• Demonstrate adherence to statutory obligations 

Early and proportionate assessment is key to avoiding both regulatory risk and long-term occupational health impacts. 

Professional Support 

Our specialist acoustic consultancy ensures assessments are robust, proportionate and aligned with HSE guidance. National coverage enables consistent delivery across diverse project types and operational environments, supporting organisations in managing workplace noise effectively and efficiently.