Workplace noise and what you need to know
Creating an environment that promotes good auditory health in the workplace is more effective if workers are involved with developing and carrying out solutions. Workers can help to identify risks arising from noise related hazards, and suggest practical ways to eliminate or reduce these risks. This will encourage worker commitment to good hearing health.
Hearing loss is preventable
By adopting noise control measures, and educating and training workers on the importance of wearing hearing protection when exposed to loud noise, good hearing health will become a part of your workplace culture.
Good hearing means good worker health and well-being
A workers health can affect their ability to work safely and productively. Hearing loss has health impacts including reduced productivity, feelings of isolation and exclusion, stress and fatigue. Workers with good health are likely to have higher levels of productivity, are more engaged, and are able to keep working for longer, contributing to the success of your business.
Workplace noise can be harmful to hearing
If workers are exposed to loud noises over a long period of time, the hairs or nerve cells in the inner ear become damaged, and eventually stop responding to sound. This is called noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). Hearing damage can also occur from a sudden loud noise, extended exposure to vibrations from noisy machinery or ototoxic chemicals (chemicals that damage your hearing) found in substances such as paints, thinners, and glues.
Hearing loss is irreversible
Exposure to dangerous noise levels can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss, or tinnitus (a ringing in the ears). Damaged hearing reduces a person's ability to hear high frequency sounds, and some common consonant sounds such as t, k, s, sh and p. This type of damage can't ever be repaired.
Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL)
NIHL resulting from workplace noise affects as many as 100,000 New Zealanders. Noise-related injuries are most common in the manufacturing and construction sectors, and in male-dominated industries. Around 30% of all workers in New Zealand are exposed to loud noise at work at least 25% of the time.
Hearing Protection Programme
Setting up a hearing protection programme in your workplace can help to manage noise related risks, and protect the health of your workers.
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Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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