Noise is part of everyday life in many Queensland workplaces — construction sites, factories, transport depots and agricultural operations.
But over time, constant exposure to loud machinery and tools can cause industrial deafness, also known as noise-induced hearing loss.
It’s one of the long-term workplace injuries recognised under Queensland’s workers’ compensation scheme.
Eligibility for Compensation of Workplace Deafness
To make a successful WorkCover Queensland claim for industrial deafness, a worker must show more than just hearing loss.
The loss must be the result of prolonged exposure to hazardous noise during employment, rather than normal age-related decline.
In most cases, a worker must have spent at least five years in a noisy occupation before lodging a claim.
An audiologist’s examination is required to confirm the level of permanent hearing impairment, and WorkCover uses that assessment to determine eligibility and the level of compensation payable.
The Latest Statistics
Current figures show that men are far more likely to suffer from industrial deafness, accounting for 95 per cent of all claims.
In 2023–2024, there were 1,532 statutory claims for industrial deafness in Queensland.
A statutory claim is lodged when an injury occurred at work but wasn’t the result of employer negligence.
These claims are generally accepted on a no-fault basis, with smaller, standardised payouts.
Of those statutory claims, 90 per cent were approved, and WorkCover paid out a total of $18.6 million -an average of $13,497 per person, although individual outcomes vary depending on the extent of hearing loss.
By comparison, only two common-law claims for industrial deafness were lodged in the same period.
A common-law claim arises where it’s alleged that the employer could have done more to protect workers for example, by providing proper hearing protection, monitoring noise levels, or training staff on safe practices.
While WorkCover’s data doesn’t disclose the settlement values of those two cases, we can estimate their potential scale.
The average statutory claim outcome across all injury types was $27,182, whereas the average common-law settlement in 2023–24 was $305,899.
Statutory claims therefore represent roughly one-ninth of the average common-law payout. Applying that ratio, those two industrial deafness claims could have each settled at approximately $121,000 each if not more.
Regardless of the final figures, the difference is clear -proving negligence significantly increases compensation.
Could Your Hearing Loss Have Been Prevented?
If you’ve suffered hearing loss, it’s worth asking yourself the question whether your employer could have taken reasonable steps to prevent it.
Were decibel levels monitored?
Were you supplied with proper ear protection? Were you warned about long-term risks or trained in safe work practices?
If the answer to any of these questions is “no”, you may have a valid common-law claim and could be entitled to far more than a basic statutory payout and we want to help you get what you deserve.
We’re Here to Help
At Revolution Law, we act for everyday Queenslanders who’ve been injured at work -including those experiencing industrial deafness.
Our experienced WorkCover lawyers understand both the law and the human impact of hearing loss.
We’ll review your situation, handle the claim process, and work to ensure you receive the compensation you genuinely deserve.
Contact our team today for a free consultation and let us help you protect what matters most -your health, your rights, and your future.
07 3416 4999
