Introduction
As South Africa transitions to stronger occupational health and safety requirements, employers must prepare now for compliance with the new Noise Exposure Regulations, 2024 — set to fully take effect on 6 September 2026. These updated regulations replace the old Noise‑Induced Hearing Loss Regulations of 2003 and introduce a modern framework for managing workplace noise, medical surveillance and audiometry. (https://shangoni.co.za/occupational-health-and-safety-act-85-of-1993-noise-exposure-regulations-2024/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Official Government Gazette notice: https://www.gov.za/documents/notices/occupational-health-and-safety-act-regulations-noise-exposure-06-mar-2025
Key Changes Employers Must Understand
Stronger, Proactive Regulation
- – Emphasis on active prevention and surveillance of noise exposure.
- – Identify risks and act before hearing loss occurs. (https://shangoni.co.za/occupational-health-and-safety-act-85-of-1993-noise-exposure-regulations-2024/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- – Code of Practice for Audiometry sets clear requirements for hearing tests. (https://www.labour.gov.za/DocumentCenter/Regulations%20and%20Notices/Regulations/Occupational%20Health%20and%20Safety/Noise%20Exposure%20Regulations,%20Code%20of%20Practice%20for%20Audiometry%20and%20Explanatory%20notes.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Who Is Covered?
These regulations apply to:
- – Any employer responsible for a workplace with continuous or impulse noise above limits.
- – Persons exposed to noise plus ototoxic chemicals or vibration.
- – Designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers of plant and machinery. (https://www.mondaq.com/southafrica/employee-rights-labour-relations/1596748/occupational-health-and-safety-act-1993-ohasa-physical-agents-regulations-2024-noise-exposure-regulations-2024-and-amendment-of-the-general-safety-regulations-2025?utm_source=chatgpt.com )
What Employers Must Do
- 1. Conduct Noise Exposure Risk Assessments
- – Competent person to perform documented assessment. (https://www.svmag.co.za/articlepage/2025/07/04/1228/New_noise_exposure_regulations_promulgated?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- 2. Implement Noise Monitoring Programs
- – Accredited authority to perform monitoring and guide protective actions. (https://www.webberwentzel.com/News/Pages/recent-amendments-to-the-occupational-health-and-safety-act-new-regulations.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- 3. Medical Screening & Audiometry
- – Baseline, periodic, and exit medical screening including audiometry.
- – Certified environment, calibrated equipment, competent practitioners. (https://www.labour.gov.za/DocumentCenter/Regulations%20and%20Notices/Regulations/Occupational%20Health%20and%20Safety/Noise%20Exposure%20Regulations,%20Code%20of%20Practice%20for%20Audiometry%20and%20Explanatory%20notes.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- – Results documented and communicated. (https://media.lawlibrary.org.za/media/legislation/301308/source_file/08346e94464fedb2/noise-exposure-regulations-2024.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Training & Information
Employers must inform and train employees, health and safety reps on:
- – Noise risks
- – How exposure is monitored
- – Hearing protection
- – Rights and responsibilities (https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202503/52226gon5953.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Recordkeeping Requirements
All records relating to noise assessments, monitoring, medical screening and hearing conservation must be kept for 40 years and accessible for inspection. (https://www.webberwentzel.com/News/Pages/recent-amendments-to-the-occupational-health-and-safety-act-new-regulations.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Transition Deadline
Previous Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Regulations remain in force until 6 September 2026. After this, new regulations are fully enforceable. (https://www.mondaq.com/southafrica/employee-rights-labour-relations/1596748/occupational-health-and-safety-act-1993-ohasa-physical-agents-regulations-2024-noise-exposure-regulations-2024-and-amendment-of-the-general-safety-regulations-2025?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Practical Compliance Tips
- – Start Early: Begin risk assessments and audiometry planning now.
- – Audit Your Processes: Compare programs against the new Code of Practice.
- – Train Your Team: Ensure SHE practitioners, supervisors, employees understand requirements.
- – Document Everything: Legal requirement and best practice.
How Fitmed24 Is Helping Employers Prepare
Fitmed24 is preparing internal training, compliance systems and audiometry tracking tools to help employers meet new Noise Exposure Regulations. Support includes risk assessments, certified audiometry services, and compliance strategy. Fitmed24 is committed to protecting workforce and ensuring compliance.
Understanding and preparing for the new Noise Exposure Regulations is not just regulatory compliance — it’s sound business and responsible occupational health practice.
