Health and Safety Training

Practical workplace health and safety training that helps people recognise risks that are often treated as “part of the job” and apply controls to protect long-term health.

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A "tough it out" or "she'll be right" attitude can have serious long-term consequences when it comes to workplace health hazards. The effects of exposure to excessive noise and extreme temperatures are not always immediate or obvious, which can make these risks easy to underestimate. IMPAC's workplace health and safety training provides practical knowledge to help people recognise these risks, understand their effects, and apply appropriate controls.

Our Courses
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IMPAC Training

Category overview

Treating workplace noise and environmental temperatures as just "part of the job" can lead to workplace health risks being underestimated. Unlike many safety hazards, the effects of exposure are not always immediate or obvious, which can make it easy to overlook the need for effective controls and safe work practices.

Our industry-experienced trainers use realistic examples and workplace scenarios to help learners understand the effects of noise and environmental conditions, and the practical controls that can be used to manage these risks.

Whether you are exposed to workplace noise or extreme temperatures, our courses help you build the knowledge and confidence needed to recognise risks, apply appropriate controls, and protect long-term health.

Key Focus Areas

What this training covers

Hearing Conservation and Sound Measurement

Understanding workplace noise hazards, sound measurement principles, and the elements of an effective hearing conservation programme.

Thermal Risk Awareness and Management

Awareness of how hot and cold environments can affect health, and the controls used to manage thermal risks in the workplace.

Environmental Assessment and Task Planning

Assessment of environmental conditions and planning considerations that help minimise exposure to workplace health hazards.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Selection and Fit-for-Purpose Application

Selection and use of PPE appropriate to workplace conditions and health risks.

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Available Courses

Our Health & Safety courses

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Working with New Zealand's legal framework

Applicable Safety Regulations and Standards

Managing workplace health risks associated with noise and extreme temperatures requires an understanding of the legislation, regulations, and guidance that apply. Relevant legislation, regulations, and guidance include:

  • Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) — New Zealand's primary workplace health and safety legislation, requiring PCBUs to eliminate risks so far as is reasonably practicable or, where that is not possible, minimise them.
  • Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016 — Supports the identification of workplace hazards and the use of controls to protect workers from health and safety risks.
  • WorkSafe New Zealand Guidelines — Provides practical guidance on managing workplace noise, thermal environments, worker exposure, and appropriate control measures.
  • Workplace Exposure Limits and Exposure Standards — Provide recognised benchmarks for assessing worker exposure and determining when controls may be required to protect health.

NZQA Unit Standards

Courses within this category include NZQA unit standards, including:

  • US 17585 — Demonstrate knowledge of working safely in extremes of temperature
  • US 17594 — Demonstrate knowledge of hearing conservation in the workplace

Who Should Enrol

Industries and Roles

Workers

Workers who may be exposed to workplace noise or extreme temperatures as part of their role.

Supervisors and Managers

Leaders responsible for planning work activities and ensuring appropriate controls are in place to protect worker health.

Health and Safety Professionals

Health and safety practitioners responsible for identifying workplace health risks and supporting effective risk management.

Outdoor and Field-Based Workers

Workers in industries such as construction, agriculture, and infrastructure where exposure to environmental conditions may increase workplace health risks.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

FAQs.jpeg

Noise and temperature hazards are often overlooked because their effects are not always immediate or obvious. Unlike many safety incidents, exposure to workplace noise or extreme temperatures may not result in an immediate injury, making these risks easier to underestimate. Over time, however, unmanaged exposure can affect worker health and increase the likelihood of long-term harm.

No. PPE is an important control, but it should not be the only measure used to manage workplace health risks. Organisations should also consider ways to eliminate or minimise exposure through workplace controls, work planning, equipment selection, and safe work practices. PPE is most effective when used as part of a broader approach to risk management.

Heat strain occurs when the body has difficulty maintaining a safe internal temperature while working in hot conditions. Factors such as physical exertion, environmental conditions, clothing, and hydration can all contribute to heat strain. If not managed appropriately, heat strain can affect a person's health and ability to work safely.

Exposure to workplace noise can affect hearing over time, particularly where noise levels are high or exposure occurs regularly. Hearing loss caused by workplace noise is often gradual, which means the effects may not be noticed until damage has already occurred. Understanding workplace noise risks and using appropriate controls can help reduce the likelihood of hearing impairment.

Workplace exposure monitoring and health monitoring are typically carried out by occupational hygienists, occupational health nurses, and other suitably qualified professionals. These specialists help assess worker exposure to workplace hazards, monitor potential health effects, and provide information that supports effective risk management.

Yes. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is available from Safeworx and Fortus. This includes hearing protection, thermal protection, and a range of other PPE designed to help organisations manage workplace health risks.