How do I comply with the Noise at Work Regulations? To comply with the Noise at Work Regulations, employers must assess noise exposure, reduce noise at source where reasonably practicable, manage remaining risk with organisational controls and hearing protection, train workers, keep records, and review assessments when conditions change.
Do I Need a Noise at Work Risk Assessment or a Noise Survey? (UK Employer Guide)
Introduction: Why workplace noise is a serious legal issue in the UK
Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, irreversible, and entirely preventable. Despite this, it remains one of the most common occupational health conditions in the UK. The reason is simple: hearing damage develops gradually, often without pain or immediate symptoms. By the time employees notice a problem, the damage is already done.
To prevent this, UK law places clear duties on employers through the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. These Regulations are supported by practical guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), published as L108, which explains how employers should assess noise risks, when measurement is required, and how exposure must be controlled.
One of the most common and important questions employers ask is: “Do we need a noise at work risk assessment, a noise survey, or both?”
This blog answers that question in clear, practical terms — without jargon — and explains how to make the right decision for your workplace.
How this blog fits into the wider series
This article is Part 1 of a three-part guide designed to take employers from uncertainty to compliance:
• Part 1 (this blog): Do I need a noise at work risk assessment or a noise survey?
• Part 2: How to understand workplace noise survey results (dB(A), dB(C) and UK action values)
• Part 3: How to comply with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations using HSE L108 in practice
Each blog builds on the previous one. This first article focuses on deciding what you need and why.
What is a noise at work risk assessment?
A noise at work risk assessment is your documented evaluation of noise exposure in the workplace. Its purpose is to identify whether noise could cause harm and what must be done to control that risk.
A suitable and sufficient noise risk assessment should identify:
• Who may be exposed to noise (employees, contractors, apprentices, visitors)
• What the noise sources are (machinery, tools, processes, activities)
• How loud the noise is likely to be
• How long exposure lasts during a shift or working week
• Whether legal action values are exceeded
• What controls are needed to reduce exposure
• How the risk will be reviewed if conditions change
The Regulations require employers to assess noise risks where exposure may be harmful. This applies to a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, construction, warehousing, automotive, logistics, utilities, entertainment, and agriculture.
In some low-noise workplaces, this assessment can be relatively simple. In most real-world environments, however, noise levels vary significantly depending on task, duration, and location — making measurement essential.
What is a noise at work survey?
A noise at work survey (also called a workplace noise assessment or occupational noise survey) is the measurement component of the risk assessment. A competent noise survey typically involves:
• Measuring noise levels during real work activities
• Calculating daily or weekly personal noise exposure
• Measuring peak or impact noise
• Identifying which roles or tasks exceed HSE action values
• Providing objective evidence for compliance decisions
• Producing clear, practical recommendations for control
In practice, noise surveys are often the only reliable way to demonstrate compliance with the Regulations. Guesswork, assumptions, or informal judgement rarely stand up if HSE, insurers, auditors, or clients ask for evidence.
Noise risk assessment vs noise survey: the difference explained simply
A common source of confusion is the difference between a noise risk assessment and a noise survey. In simple terms:
• The noise risk assessment is the decision-making process: it identifies risks and determines what controls are required.
• The noise survey provides the measurements that make those decisions accurate, defensible, and evidence-based.
Most employers need both, because the survey informs the assessment.
When is a noise at work assessment legally required?
Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations, employers must assess noise risks if workers may be exposed at or above the lower exposure action values:
• 80 dB(A) daily or weekly personal noise exposure
• 135 dB(C) peak sound pressure
If you cannot confidently demonstrate that exposure is below these levels, HSE expects you to measure noise. Informal judgement alone is not considered adequate where risk is foreseeable. This requirement is particularly relevant where:
• Hearing protection is already being used
• Noisy machinery or power tools are present
• Noise exposure varies between tasks
• Exposure is intermittent but intense
• Production rates, layouts, or equipment have changed
Why “we think it’s fine” is not a safe compliance position
Many employers believe they are compliant because:
• Hearing protection is available
• No one has complained
• Noise has “always been there”
• They believe exposure is probably below limits
From an HSE perspective, these are not reliable indicators of compliance. HSE expects decisions to be based on a suitable and sufficient assessment, supported by measurement where necessary. If you cannot demonstrate how you know exposure is below action values, you are vulnerable to enforcement action.
Common signs your workplace needs a noise survey
You will usually need a noise survey if any of the following apply:
• Employees must raise their voice to communicate at normal distance
• Noisy tools or machinery are used regularly
• There is impact noise (hammering, pressing, stamping, drop forging)
• Hearing protection is already issued informally
• Machinery, layouts, or production rates have changed
• Workers report ringing ears or temporary hearing dullness
• You need evidence for HSE, insurers, ISO systems, or tenders
If you are unsure, commissioning a survey is often the safest and most proportionate option.
What HSE expects employers to do (in plain English)
HSE’s approach to noise at work is structured and practical. Employers are expected to:
1. Assess the risk from noise (measure where necessary)
2. Reduce noise at source so far as reasonably practicable
3. Limit exposure using organisational controls where needed
4. Provide hearing protection where risk remains
5. Ensure exposure limit values are not exceeded
6. Review assessments when circumstances change
This hierarchy underpins how HSE inspectors assess compliance.
Key Takeaways
• Noise risk assessments are a legal requirement where exposure may be harmful.
• Noise surveys provide the measurement evidence needed for compliance.
• 80 dB(A) is the key threshold where duties increase.
• Hearing protection does not remove the need for assessment.
• Measuring noise protects workers’ health and employers’ legal position.
How NOVA Acoustics can help
NOVA Acoustics provides clear, proportionate noise at work surveys and risk assessments aligned with HSE L108 and UK legislation. Our approach focuses on:
• Practical, task-based assessments
• Plain-English reporting
• Clear compliance statements
• Realistic control recommendations
• Support during inspections or audits
Noise at Work Surveys & Assessments: https://www.novaacoustics.co.uk/noise-at-work-surveys-and-assessments/
Contact NOVA Acoustics: https://www.novaacoustics.co.uk/contact-us/
Example Noise Risk Assessment Projects: https://www.novaacoustics.co.uk/projects/noise-work-risk-assessments/
Noise at Work Surveys Across the UK
NOVA Acoustics delivers workplace noise surveys nationwide, including:
• Manchester – https://www.novaacoustics.co.uk/manchester/
• Leeds – https://www.novaacoustics.co.uk/leeds/
• Newcastle – https://www.novaacoustics.co.uk/newcastle/
• Nottingham – https://www.novaacoustics.co.uk/nottingham/
• Sheffield – https://www.novaacoustics.co.uk/sheffield/
• Cambridge – https://www.novaacoustics.co.uk/cambridge/
• London & Home Counties – https://www.novaacoustics.co.uk/london/
• Hull & East Yorkshire – https://www.novaacoustics.co.uk/hull/
• Birmingham – https://www.novaacoustics.co.uk/birmingham/
• Bristol – https://www.novaacoustics.co.uk/bristol/
• Liverpool – https://www.novaacoustics.co.uk/liverpool/
If you are searching for acoustic consultants near you who understand HSE expectations and real-world workplaces, NOVA Acoustics can help.
Conversion-Focused FAQs – Noise at Work Risk Assessments
How much does a noise at work survey cost in the UK?
Costs depend on site size, number of noisy tasks, and whether personal noise monitoring is required. NOVA Acoustics provides proportionate quotes aligned with the actual risk.
How long does a workplace noise survey take?
Most surveys take between half a day and one full day onsite, depending on complexity.
Can you help if HSE is visiting or has raised concerns?
Yes. NOVA Acoustics regularly supports employers responding to inspections, improvement notices, and compliance queries.
Do you assess large or complex sites?
Yes, including multi-area and multi-shift operations. https://www.novaacoustics.co.uk/projects/occupational-noise-survey-pepsico-international/
Can intermittent or task-based noise be assessed?
Yes. Task-based assessments and personal dosimetry are commonly used where exposure varies.
What documentation will we receive?
You’ll receive a clear, compliance-ready report explaining exposure levels, risks, and practical next steps.
Recent posts
What does a workplace noise survey measure? A workplace noise survey measures average noise exposure over time (dB(A)) and peak or impact noise (dB(C)) to determine whether workers exceed UK legal action values under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations.
Do I need a noise at work risk assessment or a noise survey? If workers may be exposed to harmful noise (around 80 dB(A) or above), UK law requires a noise at work risk assessment. If exposure cannot be confidently estimated, a noise survey with measurements is required to demonstrate compliance.