The Silent Killer: an assessment of Level of Industrial Noise and Associated Health Effects on Workers

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the level of industrial noise and associated health effects on workers within the Tema Industrial Area, Ghana. A calibrated noise meter, Integrated Average Sound Level Meter, was used to measure noise emanating from each operating machine from plastic, can, food, and cutlass manufacturing industries within the study area. A structured questionnaire was administered to 98 workers to assess the socio-economic and health related characteristics. The results showed that mean noise levels from all 4 industries was 90.0 dB which exceeded the allowable level of 70 dB recommended for heavy industrial area. The noise levels ranged from 78.0 dB recorded at the food processing to 108.5 dB also from the same place. The results of the survey showed that most workers were aged >30 years. Though most of the workers were aware of the effects of noise on human health, few workers used ear-protecting devices during work period. More than half (63.3%) of workers cannot hear words clearly at normal conversation. It is clear from the study that workers were exposed to noise levels beyond recommended and they were likely to experienced auditory and non-auditory effects of such exposure.