Workplace Noise Research Articles

Personal noise exposure patterns and health implications in urban work environments

Noise-induced hearing loss remains a preventable occupational health concern, contingent on timely detection and mitigation of excessive workplace noise. However, the lack of effective identification of at-risk workers often results in the neglect of safety measures that could prevent hearing loss. To address this, personal noise exposure measurements, using noise dosimeters, were conducted on 50 individuals across diverse urban work environments, including work from home, offices, outdoor settings, and mixed-use spaces. The results demonstrated significant variations in noise exposure levels among different environments. Outdoor and mixed-use environments exhibited the highest average dose percentages, while home-based workers had the lowest exposure. A strong correlation between noise levels above 80 dB and increased dose percentages emphasized the need to reduce high-noise exposure times. Additionally, the study integrated quantitative dosimeter measurements with qualitative data from a questionnaire survey to provide a holistic understanding of the participants' perception on noise pollution. Traffic emerged as the primary source of noise pollution, with a substantial number of respondents experiencing stress and ear infections attributed to noise exposure. The research underscores the importance of personalized noise dosimetry in assessing health implications, emphasizing the need for awareness and preventative measures to mitigate health risks in urban work environments.

Anwendung der Arbeitsstättenregel Lärm in der Praxis am Beispiel Büro

Application of the workplace noise regulations in ­practice using the example of the office „Musik wird oft nicht schön gefunden, weil sie stets mit Geräusch verbunden“, as Wilhelm Busch wrote over 100 years ago. And as with music, opinions differ on many other sounds too. This is often referred to as “noise”, although this does not always have to be damaging to hearing. Noise can also have physiological, psychological and social effects on people. These cases are referred to as extraaural noise effects. People at work must also be protected from these noise effects.

Occupational Hazards in Lead-acid Battery Factories in Bangladesh: Assessing Excess Heat, Noise, Chemical Exposures, and Health Impacts on Workers

BackgroundLead-acid battery (LAB) manufacturing is growing in Bangladesh because of the expanding automotive industry and low lead prices. Although these factories employ a big workforce, the working environment has led to concerns about the possible health risks for employees. This study aimed to address this issue by investigating workplace chemical and physical hazards in three LAB industries and evaluating health outcomes among workers. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 72 LAB factory workers, and participants were recruited by simple random sampling. A validated questionnaire was used to collect information on self-reported exposures to physical and chemical risks and related health effects. Data analysis was performed by using statistical software SPSS version 25. ResultsThe age and work experience (Mean ± SD) of the participants were 34.2 ± 7.7 and 10.0 ± 5.7 years, respectively. High workplace temperature and noise from machinery, chemical odors, and skin exposure to acid (H2SO4) were reported by 52.8%, 51.4%, and 20.8% of workers, respectively. Insomnia (25.0%), abdominal pain (18.1%), joint pain (38.9%), memory loss (19.4%), headache (15.3%), low back pain (47.2%), eyesight problem (19.4%), physical weakness (47.2%), and hypertension (19.4%) were all common symptoms among the workers. ConclusionOur study findings indicate that workers in LAB factories in Bangladesh are exposed to extreme temperatures, hazardous materials, and uncomfortable levels of noise, which can lead to serious health risks. To ensure the safety and well-being of employees, the LAB manufacturing sector in Bangladesh requires the immediate implementation of proper occupational health and safety standards.

SCIENTIFIC APPROACHES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPOSITES MATERIALS FOR REDUCING VIBRATION AND NOISE IN PRODUCTION

Goal. Scientific approaches to the development of composite materials for noise and vibration reduction in the workplace and evaluation of their effectiveness. Methodology. Сomplex of scientific methods for assessing the impact of environmental factors, such as noise and vibration, on the worker was used for the research. Сomparative evaluation of the effectiveness of the developed composite materials with the existing ones was carried out in terms of their ability to reduce noise and vibration at the worker's workplace. Results. New composite materials with an extended spectrum of action have been developed. Their effectiveness in laboratory and production conditions was evaluated. Their effectiveness was evaluated at those workplaces where an increased level of noise and vibration is registered, a comparative analysis of the new vibration-absorbing materials developed by the authors with those existing in laboratory and production conditions was carried out.Conducted studies have shown that «Vibroshtil» and «Vibroshtilmaxi» vibration-absorbing materials are characterized by a higher level of sound absorption compared to both domestic and materials of the same purpose produced in other countries, and are proposed for implementation in production, railway transport and the subway. Conducted studies have shown that «Vibroshtil» and «Vibroshtilmaxi» vibration-absorbing materials are characterized by the higher level of sound absorption compared to both domestic and materials of the same purpose produced in other countries, and are proposed for implementation in production, railway transport and the subway. The comparative evaluation made it possible to prove the effectiveness of the developed composite vibration-absorbing materials for the correction and reduction of noise and vibration levels in workplaces. The results were achieved due to the optimal selection of ingredients of composite materials and their ratio. Scientific novelty. The effectiveness of new composite materials «Vibrostil» and «Vibrostilmax» for reducing noise and vibration levels at workplaces was developed and evaluated, and their effectiveness was evaluated in order to prevent the risk of workers suffering from vibration sickness. Practical significance. The introduction of developed vibration-absorbing materials will reduce the level of noise and vibration in the workplace and reduce the risk of workers suffering from vibration sickness.

Cross-sectional study on the health of workers exposed to occupational noise in China.

This study aimed to understand the health of workers exposed to occupational noise and explore the influencing factors related to workers' health, especially the impact of noise on workers' hearing. This work can provide a basis for formulating relevant measures for occupational noise prevention and control in the future. On the basis of the key occupational disease monitoring project in Chongqing, China, in 2021, the data of 1125 workers exposed to occupational noise were analyzed. Data included demographic information, occupational history, clinical physical examination information, and noise detection information of the working environment. Chi-square test and multifactorial logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. The prevalence rates of abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure (BP), and pure tone audiometry (PTA) were 21.9% (246/1125), 27.8% (313/1125), and 18.0% (202/1125), respectively. Male workers accounted for 78.8%. Compared with male workers, female workers had a lower prevalence of abnormal PTA (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.16-0.50). Workers working in medium enterprises had a lower prevalence of abnormal BP than workers in micro enterprises (OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.19-0.66). The prevalence of abnormal BP and PTA of workers increased with age. After adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index, the prevalence of abnormal ECG of mining workers was higher than that of manufacturing workers (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.07-2.24), and the prevalence of abnormal PTA had a rising trend with the increase in noise exposure value. Noise-exposed workers have a high prevalence of abnormal ECG, BP, and PTA, and factors such as age, enterprise size, and workplace noise exposure are correlated with the aberrant health of workers. Governments, enterprises, and individuals need to attach great importance to the possible adverse effects of noise. They must also actively adopt various effective measures to protect the occupational safety and health of workers.

Sources of noise exposure across Australian workplaces: cross-sectional analysis and modelling the impact of a targeted noise-source reduction initiative.

Workplace noise regulations and guidance follow the hierarchy of control model that prioritizes eliminating or reducing noise at its source. To determine the main sources of workplace noise exposure in the Australian working population and estimate the reduction of workers exposed over the noise limit (LAeq,8h > 85 dB) if noise levels of specific tools or equipment were reduced by 10 dB. Information on the tools used and tasks performed during each participant's last working shift was collected from 4,977 workers via telephone survey. Using a predetermined database of task-based noise levels, partial noise exposures (Pa2h) were determined for each noisy activity performed by the workers and their daily noise exposure level (LAeq,8h) was estimated. Partial exposures were categorized into 15 tool/task groups and the tally, average, and sum (Pa2h) for each group were calculated. The impacts of 5 different scenarios that simulated a reduction of 10 dB in noise emissions for specific tool groups were modelled. Powered tools and equipment were responsible for 59.3% of all noise exposure (Pa2h); vehicles for 10.6%; mining, refineries, and plant equipment for 5.1%; and manufacturing and food processing for 4.2%. Modelling demonstrated that a 10 dBA noise-level reduction of all powered tools and equipment would lead to a 26.4% (95% confidence interval: 22.7% to 30.3%) reduction of workers with an LAeq,8h > 85 dB. This could represent over 350,000 Australian workers no longer exposed above the workplace limit daily. A universal reduction of 10 dB to power tools and equipment would substantially reduce the future burden of hearing loss, tinnitus, workplace injuries, and other health effects. Initiatives to reduce the noise emissions of specific powered tool groups are warranted.

Study of Intensity and Stress Due to Noise in Employees in The Production Unit at PT.

Background: The era of industrialization characterized by mechanization, electrification, modernization and the latest technological transformation can lead to processes that generate noise in the workplace. Noise in the workplace can cause noise exposure in the workplace can cause hearing loss and work stress. Therefore, it is important to understand the relationship between workplace noise levels and workers' stress levels. Research purposes: Finding the shape of the contour of worker noise levels and its relationship with worker stress levels. Research methods: Using a cross-sectional design, with a sample size of 78 workers determined using the Accidental Sampling method. Statistical analysis uses the Pearson correlation test. Research result: Shows that the shape of the noise contour is determined by variations in the noise level from the noise source varying from lowest to highest (87.2 dB, 89.9 dB, 91.8 dB, 93.4 dB, 94 dB, 95.6 dB, 100 dB, 101.3 dB, 105.5 dB). Noise exceeding the threshold value reflects the contour shape in some areas. Powerplant noise areas above the threshold value are found in ( Power Plant Lubricating Oil Tank (87.2 dB), Power Plant 1 Boiler Blowdown Tank (94 dB), Power Plant Pump Pipe (91.8 dB), Power Plant 1 Turbine (101 .3 dB), Air Drayer Installation Powerplant (93.4 dB), Plant Process Area noise above the threshold value in several areas ( Concentrator Process Plant (105 dB) BallMill Process Plant (100 dB), Area Concentrator Process Plant (98.8 dB), Concentrate Tank Process Plant (95.6 dB), Fixed Plant Area noise above the threshold value occurred at ( Slacker (89.9 dB), Concentrator (98.8 dB), Concentrate Tank (95.6 dB), and Cleaner Flotation (100 dB). Meanwhile in the Mining area, the highest noise is related to activities such as Exca-2000 Mining (105.5 dB), Drilling Diamond Mining (100 dB), and Drilling RC Mining (105.5 dB). The level of work stress shows that out of a total of 78 workers, 63 of them (around 11.1%) experienced severe stress, while there were no workers who experienced moderate levels of work stress out of a total of 15 workers involved in this research. This research found that there is a very weak and negative correlation between noise levels and work stress on noise risk. The results of the analysis show that the relationship between noise and work stress and noise risk has a correlation value of -0.112. Even though there is a weak negative relationship between these variables, this correlation is not statistically significant with a p-value of 0.327. Conclusion: This research concludes that noise levels in the workplace vary and come from various sources with different intensities. Several areas at PT. X, such as Powerplant, Process Plant, Fixed Plant, and Mining area, have noise that exceeds the threshold value. Research also finds that most workers experience high levels of work stress. Although there was a negative correlation between noise and job stress, the relationship was not statistically significant.

An Exploratory Study on Self-Reported Auditory Symptoms and Hearing Loss among Workers in a Small-Scale LPG Plant.

Occupational noise is considered a factor contributing to acquired hearing loss (HL) in adults. Frequent noise exposure can cause cochlear damage, leading to sensorineural HL, tinnitus, vertigo, and other non auditory effects as well. Although it is well known that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) plants in India have become a workplace source for occupational noise pollution exposure, there are not many studies that probe into the auditory effects of workplace noise in LPG plants. The study aims to document HL and self reported otological symptoms in employees with occupational noise exposure at a typical LPG plant in a suburban location in India. 53 employees who reported workplace noise exposure were assessed for HL and self reported auditory symptoms. Self reported symptoms were collected using a custom made case history questionnaire, and auditory sensitivity was measured using air conduction audiometers. Among the 53 participants, 27 tested positive for HL. A mild degree of HL was frequently observed, followed by a moderate and severe degree of HL. In the self reported otological complaints reported by 31 participants, HL and aural fullness were the most commonly reported auditory symptoms. Additionally, the use of ear protection devices and hearing conservation practices among the participants were poor. Hearing loss and self-reported auditory symptoms were present in the study group indicating the effect of occupational noise in the auditory system.

Association of noise exposure, plasma microRNAs with metabolic syndrome and its components among Chinese adults

AimsWe aimed to evaluate the association of occupational noise with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components, and to assess the potential role of miRNAs in occupational noise-associated MetS. MethodsA total of 854 participants were enrolled in our study. Cumulative noise exposure (CNE) was estimated in conjunction with workplace noise test records and research participants' employment histories. Logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders were used to assess the association of CNE and miRNAs with MetS and its components. ResultsWe observed linear positive dose-response associations between occupational noise exposure and the prevalence of MetS (OR: 1.031; 95 % CI: 1.008, 1.055). And linear and nonlinear relationship were also found for the association of occupational noise exposure with high blood pressure (OR: 1.024; 95 % CI: 1.007, 1.041) and reduced high-density lipoprotein (OR: 1.051; 95 % CI: 1.031, 1.072), respectively. MiR-200a-3p, miR-92a-3p and miR-21-5p were inversely associated with CNE, or the prevalence of MetS and its components (all P < 0.05). However, we did not find any statistically significant mediation effect of miRNAs in the associations of CNE with MetS. Furthermore, the prevalence of bilateral hearing loss in high-frequency increased (OR: 1.036; 95 % CI: 1.008, 1.067) with CNE level rising, and participants with bilateral hearing loss in high-frequency had a significantly higher risk of MetS (OR: 1.727; 95 % CI: 1.048, 2.819). ConclusionOur study suggests that occupational noise exposure is associated with MetS and its components, and the role of miRNAs in noise-induced increasing MetS risk needs to be confirmed in future studies.

Study on the fit testing for the workers wearing hearing protection device in machinery manufacturing enterprises

Objective: To investigate the occupational noise hazards in five machinery manufacturing enterprises, and to evaluate the individual noise reduction values and influencing factors of workers wearing hearing protection device (HPD) by individual fit testing. Methods: From November 2021 to January 2022, 5 machinery manufacturing enterprises in Bao'an District of Shenzhen were selected to conduct an occupational health survey to understand the noise exposure level of workers. The 3MTM E-A-RfitTM fitness test system was used to test the baseline individual sound attenuation value level (PAR) of the daily wear of the ear protecters for 485 workers in typical noise working positions. Workers whose PAR values could not meet the requirements of noise reduction at work were instructed to wear and repeated tests were conducted. PAR results of the workers before and after the intervention were collected and analyzed. Results: The noise workers who received the suitability test were mainly distributed in 24 types of work, the job noise exposure level was 80.2 dB (A) ~ 95.0 dB (A), and the job noise excess rate was 52.5% (138/263). The median baseline PAR [M (Q(1), Q(3)) ] for 485 workers was 6.0 (0.0, 14.0) dB. The baseline PAR of male workers, those with more than 15 years of working experience, those with more than 15 years of using ear guards, those who considered ear guards comfortable to wear, those with college degree or above, and those exposed to noise level 90 dB (A) were higher, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). A total of 275 workers (56.7%) did not pass the baseline PAR test, and there was no statistically significant difference in the intervention rate of workers in different noise groups (P>0.05). PAR in subjects who did not pass baseline after intervention increased from 0.0 (0.0, 3.0) dB to 15.0 (12.0, 18.2) dB. Conclusion: The workplace noise hazard of machinery manufacturing enterprises is serious, and there is a great difference between the baseline PAR and the nominal value of the hearing guard worn by the noise exposed workers. The intervention measures can effectively improve the protective effect of wearing ear protectors.

Investigating the effect of workplace noise exposure on cardiovascular disease risk factors in a power plant industry: A case-control study.

Occupational noise exposure is a significant health problem. In addition to hearing impairments, noise as a stressor may cause cardiovascular problems. This study aimed to investigate the effect of exposure to workplace noise on cardiovascular disease risk factors. This case-control study was conducted in 2021 in a power plant in Iran. In this study, the health status of 406 employees in both exposed (n = 203) and non-exposed (n = 203) to noise groups was examined for cardiovascular disease risk factors. Also, the trend of changes in the studied variables from 2012 to 2020 in exposed employees was examined. Data were collected from participants' annual physical examinations and occupational noise exposure measurements. To measure the noise in the present study, the KIMO-DB300 noise level meter was used. Data were analyzed in SPSS-26 software. The results revealed that mean fasting blood sugar (FBS), triglyceride, liver enzyme (SGOT), blood pressure, and body mass index were significantly different in the two groups (p-value<0.05). There was no significant difference in the mean of creatinine, cholesterol, and liver enzyme (SGPT) between the two groups (p-value>0.05). In the exposed group, the mean of all studied variables except diastolic blood pressure was statistically different during the study years (p-value<0.05). This study demonstrates that exposure to noise above the permissible level can affect the cardiovascular disease risk factors, so it is recommended to apply engineering and management measures like using Hearing Conservation Programme (HCP) to reduce the risk of these diseases with periodically assessing the health status of employees and timely diagnosis.

Perceptions of Adults With Hearing Loss About the Communication Difficulties Generated by the COVID-19 Preventive Measures: A Qualitative Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of preventive measures that exacerbated communication difficulties for individuals with hearing loss. This study aims to explore the perception of adults with hearing loss about the communication difficulties caused by the preventive measures and about their experiences with communication 1 year after the adoption of these preventive measures. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted via videoconference with six adults who have hearing loss from the province of Québec, Canada. Data were examined using qualitative content analysis. The study found that face masks and in-person work (i.e., in opposition to remote work) were important barriers to communication because of hindered lipreading and competing noise in many workplaces. In contrast, preventive measures that allowed visual information transmission (e.g., transparent face masks, fixed plastic partitions) were considered favorable for communication. Communication partners were perceived as playing an important role in communication success with preventive measures: Familiar communication partners improved communication, whereas those with poor attitude or strategies hindered communication. Participants found that videoconferences could provide satisfactory communication but were sometimes hindered by issues such as bad audiovisual quality or too many participants. This study identified reduced access to speech reading and lack of general awareness about hearing issues as key barriers to communication during the pandemic. The decreased communication capabilities were perceived to be most problematic at work and during health appointments, and tended to cause frustration, anxiety, self-esteem issues, and social isolation. Suggestions are outlined for current and future public health measures to better consider the experience of people with hearing loss.

Reinvigorating engineered noise controls: a systems approach.

Hearing loss is a major worldwide health issue affecting an estimated 1.5 billion people. Causes of hearing loss include genetics, chemicals, medications, lifestyle habits such as smoking, and noise. Noise is probably the largest contributing factor for hearing loss. Noise arises from the workplace, ambient environment, and leisure activities. The easiest noise sources to control are workplace and environmental. Workplace noise is unique in that the employer is responsible for the noise and the worker. Also, workers may be exposed to much higher levels of noise than they would accept elsewhere. Employers follow the traditional hierarchy of controls (substitution/engineering, administrative, personal protective equipment [PPE]). Substituting or engineering a lower noise level actually reduces the hazard present to the worker but demand more capital investment. Administrative and PPE controls can be effective, but enforcement and motivation are essential to reducing risk and there is still some hearing loss for a portion of the workers. The challenge is to estimate the costs more clearly for managers. A systems engineering approach can help visualize factors affecting hearing health. In this study, a systems engineering causal loop diagram (CLD) was developed to aid in understanding factors and their interrelationships. The CLD was then modeled in VenSim. The model was informed from the authors' expertise in hearing health and exposure science. Also, a case study was used to test the model. The model can be used to inform decision-makers of holistic costs for noise control options, with potentially better hearing health outcomes for workers. The CLD and cost model demonstrated a 4.3 year payback period for the engineered noise control in the case study. Systems thinking using a CLD and cost model for occupational hearing health controls can aid organizational managers in applying resources to control risk. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(5):672-84.

A current affair: worker perceptions of noise exposure and occupational hearing loss in Australian coal mines.

The objective of the online survey was to determine worker attitudes towards, perceptions on hearing loss, and management of workplace noise; and to identify barriers within current strategies that prevent effective management of hearing health in Australian mines. This cross-sectional study utilized a modified survey design, initially designed for use by Safe Work Australia for a broader study published in 2010. The survey questionnaire was made available online to volunteer participants, recruited with the assistance of State and National Health and Safety, and mining organizations. Volunteer participants were required to be proficient in English, be employed by an Australian underground or open cut mine, including coal processing plants; or work as a contractor on one of the specified mine sites. All mining employees, regardless of occupation, job title, and occupational hearing loss classification or status, were invited to complete the questionnaire. Almost 60% of respondents indicated that they had high noise exposure for than 10 yr or more, and have some trouble hearing, mostly associated with infrequent tinnitus. Nearly 71% of these workers believe that the noise control strategies in their workplaces are effective, but this mostly refers to the use of hearing protection devices. The results indicate that general knowledge on the cause and effect of noise exposure in the workplace is well understood. However, due to the long latency associated with the development of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), there is an issue urgency in terms of risk management. It is surprising that most of the respondents recommended more inspections and administrative controls, especially since most respondents were health, safety, and environment (HSE) professionals. HSE professionals should be advocating for higher order, more permanent solutions, and not purely administrative controls and personal protective equipment. These findings raise the question of whether there is a multifaceted working-culture issue that needs to be addressed, in combination with higher order control implementation.

The Associations Between Workplace Noise, Ototoxic Chemicals, and Tinnitus.

To investigate the occupational risk factors associated with tinnitus in the Australian working population. The research was conducted using data collected from the Australian Workplace Exposure Survey-Hearing, a national cross-sectional study of 4970 workers conducted in 2016 to 2017. Workers were asked if they experienced tinnitus and if they answered affirmatively, they were asked about the frequency and length of the presentations. Based on their answers, each worker was categorized as having no tinnitus or any tinnitus, with an additional group of workers with any tinnitus subcategorized as having constant tinnitus. Exposure assessment was conducted using an automated expert assessment method. Exposures included daily noise (L Aeq,8h ), hand-arm vibration (A(8)), impulse noise, smoking status, styrene, trichloroethylene, toluene, n-hexane, p-xylene, ethylbenzene, lead, and carbon monoxide. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between workplace exposures and tinnitus. Workers with an estimated noise exposure above the workplace limit (L Aeq,8h > 85 dBA) had 1.73 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42 to 2.11) increased odds of any tinnitus and 2.15 (95% CI: 1.60 to 2.89) odds of constant tinnitus. The odds of workers having any tinnitus increased with increasing noise exposure levels in a dose-response relationship that strengthened when considering only those with constant tinnitus. In the fully adjusted model, statistically significant associations were seen for lead exposure with both any and constant tinnitus, toluene exposure with constant tinnitus, and carbon monoxide exposure with any tinnitus. These results suggest that, in addition to workplace noise, occupational exposures to lead, toluene, and carbon monoxide are associated with tinnitus.

Investigation of noise annoyance and audiometric results of Tehran subway workers and their relation to noise exposure

Introduction: One of the most important sources of pollution is the noise generated by traffic and transportation, especially the urban railway system (metro), thus this study aimed to assess the noise exposure of Tehran Metro employees and its relation with noise annoyance and audiometric results of employees.&#x0D; Materials and methods: Measurement was done by using a TES-1351B sound level meter recommendations for all employees which consists of the staff of the station affairs and the staff of the administrative department. A self-reporting questionnaire on workplace noise annoyance were distributed to the employees and then audiometric were used to measure the employees' hearing level.&#x0D; Results: The average noise exposure in platform workers was 79.3±10 dB and in control room workers was 56.5±6.9 dB. A significant difference was found between the average noise exposure in the employees of the two groups (control room-platform) (p-value=0.001). Based on the results, noise in the work environment was significantly more annoying for people working in metro line 1 than in line 6 (p-value=0.025).&#x0D; Conclusion: These results show that in general, due to the sound pressure level of 10% of the platform employees being higher than the permissible limit and the increase in the level of noise annoyance of the employees at the frequency of 8 kHz, it is necessary to plan and adopt administrative and technical-engineering measures to reduce the level of noise pollution to about it seems necessary to allow the standard.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Upaya Pencegahan Kebisingan di Industri Petrokimia

Workplace noise often becomes a problem for workers, but the noise experienced by petrochemical workers can cause physiological, psychological, communication, and balance disturbances. The purpose of this final project is to identify the sources of noise and efforts to prevent noise in the petrochemical industry. Noise is an unwanted sound from activities or operations over a period of time, and can certainly cause health problems for humans and environmental discomfort. The research method used in this final project is a qualitative method, which is used to investigate, discover, describe, and presented using descriptive methods. From the results obtained, it is known that the sources of noise are physiological disturbances, psychological disturbances, communication disturbances, and deafness. The efforts to prevent noise include technical prevention, administrative noise prevention, and the last resort of noise prevention. The conclusion of this final project is that for any job that involves noise, prevention efforts must be made by measuring the intensity and threshold limit value at the workplace to be 85 dB for 8 hours per day, and prevention efforts must be made using technical, administrative, and the last resort of noise prevention methods. It is recommended that workers who are exposed to noise must use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for their work.

Occupational health risk assessment of workplace solvents and noise in the electronics industry using three comprehensive risk assessment models.

Occupational hazards such as solvents and noise in the electronics industry are serious. Although various occupational health risk assessment models have been applied in the electronics industry, they have only been used to assess the risks of individual job positions. Few existing studies have focused on the total risk level of critical risk factors in enterprises. Ten electronics enterprises were selected for this study. Information, air samples and physical factor measurements were collected from the selected enterprises through on-site investigation, and then the data were collated and samples were tested according to the requirements of Chinese standards. The Occupational Health Risk Classification and Assessment Model (referred to as the Classification Model), the Occupational Health Risk Grading and Assessment Model (referred to as the Grading Model), and the Occupational Disease Hazard Evaluation Model were used to assess the risks of the enterprises. The correlations and differences between the three models were analyzed, and the results of the models were validated by the average risk level of all of the hazard factors. Hazards with concentrations exceeding the Chinese occupational exposure limits (OELs) were methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, and noise. The exposure time of workers ranged from 1 to 11 h per day and the frequency of exposure ranged from 5 to 6 times per week. The risk ratios (RRs) of the Classification Model, the Grading Model and the Occupational Disease Hazard Evaluation Model were 0.70 ± 0.10, 0.34 ± 0.13, and 0.65 ± 0.21, respectively. The RRs for the three risk assessment models were statistically different (P < 0.001), and there were no correlations between them (P > 0.05). The average risk level of all of the hazard factors was 0.38 ± 0.18, which did not differ from the RRs of the Grading Model (P > 0.05). The hazards of organic solvents and noise in the electronics industry are not negligible. The Grading Model offers a good reflection of the actual risk level of the electronics industry and has strong practicability.

Occupational noise legislation in Asia-Pacific region

To prevent hearing loss for workers exposed to intense workplace noise, occupational noise laws have been enacted in many countries. However, for the legislations on occupational safety and health in Europe and the Americas, it seems that "permissible exposure limit (PEL: 8-hour average)", "exchange rate (ER)", "upper limit of impact noise", and other requirements for occupational noise exposure are not unified at present. On the other hand, few reports have been published in English on laws and regulations related to occupational noise in the Asia-Pacific region. Therefore, in this paper, the outlines of PEL, ER, " upper limit of impact noise ", "wearing personal protective equipment", " audiometric test request", "penalties", etc. for occupational noise in the Asia-Pacific region were summarized. As in Europe and the Americas, many countries of the investigated Asia-Pacific region use 85dBA or 90dBA PELs, 3dB or 5dB ERs and upper limit of 140 dB(C) for impact noise.

INFLUENCE OF NOISE ON THE WORKERS’ PERFORMANCE IN AN LPG-REFILLING SITE: SOME PROPOSALS

One environmental aspect that poses concerns to safety and health is occupational noise exposure among factory workers. Constant exposure to environmental stressors like noise at work can harm workers' comfort and performance since they interfere with their ability to focus. As observed in a refilling site in Dunggo-an, Danao City, Cebu, noise is noticeable and prevalent. Thus, the researchers evaluated the relationship of workplace noise to the performance of workers in the refilling plant. This study used a quantitative approach through observation in evaluating the relationship of workplace noise level to the performance of workers in the refilling site. The collected data from the production were gathered with the use of a sound level meter and a stopwatch and analyzed with Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient and tTest to know the significant relationship between performance and noise level, and the significant difference of work performance with and without earmuffs, respectively. The study was conducted for only one day. The results showed that there is a significant relationship between levels of noise and the workers’ performance at the LPG-refilling site. This revealed that the duration of completing a task takes longer as levels of noise in the workplace increase. Thus, there is a need to implement the proper utilization of earmuffs to reduce the noise level received by workers and improve their performance, and to further save costs for the next production. From the findings, the researchers formulated an action plan and recommendations to minimize noise exposure in workplace.