Lower Federal Workplace Noise Limits

Summary#

The government has published proposed Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Canada Labour Code (Sound Levels). If adopted, they would lower the federal workplace noise limit from 87 dBA to 85 dBA, require hearing‑loss prevention programs and regular audiometric testing, and update measurement standards. The departments estimate total costs of $280.1 million (PV) and total benefits of $903.2 million (PV) over 10 years, for a net gain of $623.1 million (PV).

What it does#

• Lowers the daily noise exposure limit in many federal workplaces from 87 dBA to 85 dBA for an eight‑hour average.
• Requires employers who cannot meet the limits by engineering controls to develop, implement and evaluate a hearing loss prevention program every year.
• Requires audiometric (hearing) testing:
  • A baseline test within 6 months after an employee starts being exposed above the new limit.
  • Regular follow‑up tests at least every 12 months, with the option to move to every 24 months under specific conditions.
  • Employers must keep individual audiometric records for 20 years and program evaluation records for 10 years.
• Lowers the trigger for a formal hazard investigation to 82 dBA (instead of higher levels now in some rules).
• Updates measurement and technical references to align with modern standards, including CSA Standard Z107.56‑18 (R2022), CSA Standard Z94.2‑14 (R2024) and CSA Standard Z1007:22. (The proposal also changes how standards are referenced so future updates are picked up automatically.)
• Changes noise limits for crew accommodation on larger ships to match the International Maritime Organization code (for vessels ≥ 1,600 gross tonnage: sleeping quarters 60 dBA, messrooms and closed recreation 65 dBA, open recreation 75 dBA, offices 65 dBA).
• Amends the Administrative Monetary Penalties (Canada Labour Code) Regulations so specific failures under the new noise rules can be fined and classified by severity.

Who's affected#

• Workers and employers in federally regulated sectors such as air, rail, road and marine transport, pipelines, banks, telecommunications and broadcasting, postal and courier services, grain elevators, Crown corporations, First Nations band councils, Parliament and the federal public service (i.e. workplaces covered by the Canada Labour Code).
• The regulatory analysis estimates about 92,149 employees would move from being exposed between 85 dBA and 87 dBA, and about 200,671 employees would be covered by the hearing loss prevention program. It estimates 3,658 affected employers on average over 10 years.
• The source identifies the Department of Employment and Social Development, Indigenous Services, Natural Resources, and Transport as sponsoring departments on this initiative.

Why it matters#

• Health: Lowering the noise limit and requiring hearing programs and testing aims to prevent noise‑induced hearing loss, tinnitus and other health effects. It also seeks to reduce injuries caused when workers cannot hear warnings.
• Early detection and support: Mandatory audiometry and record keeping should identify hearing changes earlier and prompt follow‑up and controls.
• Costs and benefits: Employers face new costs for testing, training and program administration (the analysis estimates total costs of $280.1 million (PV) over 10 years). The government estimates larger monetized benefits ($903.2 million (PV)) from fewer injuries and better quality of life, producing a projected net benefit of $623.1 million (PV).
• Consistency and enforcement: The changes align federal rules with provincial standards and international guidance and add penalty classifications so inspectors can enforce the rules.
• Status and next steps: This is a proposed change published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on March 21, 2026. There is a public comment opportunity for 30 days after that publication. If the rules are adopted, they would come into force one year after they are officially registered.