Once you have assessed the risks, you must take action to eliminate exposure where possible, or reduce workers’ exposure to noise and vibration as much as you can.

Start by considering whether the work can be done in a different way, or whether different equipment could be used to reduce risks at source.

Reduce exposure

When deciding what controls to introduce, consider:

• using quieter or lower-vibration equipment
• choosing alternative work methods that reduce exposure
• maintaining tools and machinery so they continue to operate effectively
• limiting the amount of time workers are exposed
• separating noisy activities from other work where possible
• reducing the number of workers exposed to the risk
• providing information, instruction and training so workers understand the risks and controls

Check your controls

Make sure your controls are working effectively and continue to reduce workers’ exposure to noise and vibration.

Review your risk assessment if:

• work activities change
• new equipment or machinery is introduced
• existing controls are no longer effective
• exposure levels increase
• there is reason to believe the assessment is no longer valid

What to do next

If risks cannot be adequately controlled by other measures, you may need to provide hearing protection, health surveillance or take additional steps to protect workers.