Noise can distract workers putting them and others at risk of injury as a result of the distraction.
Tips
- Close the door to the meeting room.
- Provide meeting etiquette guidance.
- Put your mobile on vibrate or silent.
Potential harm
- Worker distraction
Identified hazards and controls
High level of noise
Cause
- Noise from other areas of the office distracting those in the meeting room.
- Noise from the meeting room interfering with the ability of other workers to concentrate on tasks.
What workers can do
- During meetings, remember to put mobile phones and other electronic devices on mute or silent.
- Close the door to the meeting room.
- Avoid raising your voice. Talk normally.
- Keep video conferencing volume to a level that the attendees can hear.
- If located near a meeting room, be aware that workers at a meeting may be able to hear you.
What employers can do
- Provide suitably equipped and quiet meeting rooms away from noise, traffic areas or the main office area.
- Make sure the doors seal properly.
- Take into account that furnishings can help absorb sound, when fitting out a meeting room.
- Consider installing double glazing on internal glass walls.
- Keep the video conferencing volume to a level that the attendees can hear.
- Provide etiquette outlining the use of the room and expected behaviours.
More information
Guidance
Legislation
- Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 – Refer to part 3.2, division 2 General working environment.
Codes
Page last reviewed: 17 May 2021