OSHA Fines Ohio Manufacturer for Employees’ Excessive Noise Exposure

ASHA Leader ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 9-9
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Excessive Noise

scholarly journals Case Study in a Working Environment Highlighting the Divergence between Sound Level and Workers’ Perception towards Noise

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
pp. 6122
Author(s):  
Chun-Yip Hon ◽  
Illia Tchernikov ◽  
Craig Fairclough ◽  
Alberto Behar
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Attitudes And Perceptions ◽  
Noise Measurements ◽  
Survey Responses ◽  
Excessive Noise

Excessive noise levels are a prevalent issue in food processing operations and, although there have been numerous studies on occupational noise, no single study has used a concurrent mixed-methods approach. Employing this study design allows for an understanding of the level of convergence (similarity) between measured noise levels and workers’ attitudes and perceptions towards noise. This, in turn, allows for the identification of potential challenges with respect to the implementation of hearing conservation efforts. In this study, spot noise measurements were collected using a sound level meter. One-on-one interviews were conducted with workers to determine attitudes and perceptions towards noise in their workplaces. Subsequently, the results of the noise measurements (quantitative data) were integrated with the survey responses (qualitative data) to identify convergence. The majority of the noise measurements were found to exceed 85 dBA—the criterion mandated by the local occupational health and safety legislation. Although all study participants felt that it was noisy in the workplace, a large proportion of respondents indicated that the noise was not bothersome. With workers’ perception being contradictory to the measured noise levels, it is a challenge to implement hearing conservation measures unless changes are made to raise the awareness of the risks associated with excessive noise exposure.

scholarly journals EFFECT OF EXCESSIVE NOISE EXPOSURE ON GRANITE FACTORY WORKERS

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (95) ◽  
pp. 16102-16107
Author(s):  
Ashwini Priyanka V ◽  
Karthiyanee Kutty ◽  
Vinutha Shankar M S
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Factory Workers ◽  
Excessive Noise

Real-time sound measurements of exercise classes with mobile app demonstrate excessive noise exposure

2016 ◽  
Vol 139 (4) ◽  
pp. 2037-2037
Author(s):  
Sumi Sinha ◽  
Elliott D. Kozin ◽  
Matthew R. Naunheim ◽  
Samuel R. Barber ◽  
Kevin Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Exercise Classes ◽  
Excessive Noise

Economic Impact of Hearing Loss and Reduction of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in the United States

2017 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 182-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard L. Neitzel ◽  
Tracy K. Swinburn ◽  
Monica S. Hammer ◽  
Daniel Eisenberg
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Economic Benefit ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Programs ◽  
Working Population ◽  
Additional Costs ◽  
New Policies ◽  
Economic Analyses ◽  
Excessive Noise

Purpose Hearing loss (HL) is pervasive and debilitating, and noise-induced HL is preventable by reducing environmental noise. Lack of economic analyses of HL impacts means that prevention and treatment remain a low priority for public health and environmental investment. Method This article estimates the costs of HL on productivity by building on established estimates for HL prevalence and wage and employment differentials between those with and without HL. Results We estimate that HL affects more than 13% of the working population. Not all HL can be prevented or treated, but if the 20% of HL resulting from excessive noise exposure were prevented, the economic benefit would be substantial—we estimate a range of $58 billion to $152 billion annually, with a core estimate of $123 billion. We believe this is a conservative estimate, because consideration of additional costs of HL, including health care and special education, would likely further increase the benefits associated with HL prevention. Conclusion HL is costly and warrants additional emphasis in public and environmental health programs. This study represents an important first step in valuing HL prevention—in particular, prevention of noise-induced HL—where new policies and technologies appear promising.

scholarly journals Noise Exposure and Hearing Capabilities of Quarry Workers in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Kwame R. Gyamfi ◽  
Isaac Amankwaa ◽  
Frank Owusu Sekyere ◽  
Daniel Boateng
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ashanti Region ◽  
Economic Significance ◽  
Extent Of Damage ◽  
Excessive Noise

Introduction.Although quarry operations have high economic significance, the effects they cause to the workers in terms of excessive noise production cannot be overlooked. This cross-sectional study assessed the extent of noise exposure and its influence on hearing capabilities among quarry workers in Ashanti region.Methods. The study involved 400 workers randomly selected from five quarries in Ashanti region from April to June 2012. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, physical examination, and audiological assessments. A logistic regression model was fitted to assess independent predictors of hearing loss.Results. All the machines used at the various quarries produced noise that exceeded the minimum threshold with levels ranging from 85.5 dBA to 102.7 dBA. 176 (44%) of study respondents had hearing threshold higher than 25 dBA. 18% and 2% of these were moderately (41–55 dBA) and severely (71–90 dBA) impaired, respectively. Age, duration of work, and use of earplugs independently predicted the development of hearing loss. Use of earplugs showed a protective effect on the development of hearing loss (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.25, 0.84).Conclusion.This study provides empirical evidence on the extent of damage caused to quarry workers as a result of excessive noise exposure. This will support the institution of appropriate protective measures to minimize this threat.

scholarly journals Workplace Noise Exposure After Modernisation of an Aluminium Processing Complex

2009 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jagoda Doko-Jelinić ◽  
Jela Lukić ◽  
Ružica Udovičić ◽  
Eugenija Žuškin ◽  
Iskra Nola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Ingot Casting ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Aluminium Production ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Production Complex ◽  
Workplace Noise ◽  
Excessive Noise

Workplace Noise Exposure After Modernisation of an Aluminium Processing ComplexThe aim of this study was to assess to which extent modernisation of an aluminium production complex reduced occupational noise hazard for jobs with the highest potential of exposure. Periodical measurements of noise level were taken at the same workplaces using the same method, before and after modernisation of all plants. The results were compared with the recommended standard. After modernisation, the noise was significantly reduced in all sections of all plants. The greatest reduction was measured in the foundry. After modernisation, the portion of workplaces with excessive noise level dropped significantly (chisquare=21.315; p<0.0001) from 78.4% to 13%. Noise remained a problem in ingot casting and dross skimming section. In the anode plant, noise remained a problem in the green mill section where noise intensities generated by mills and vibrocompactors varied from 95 dB(A) to 102 dB(A). In the electrolysis plant, the portion of workplaces with extensive noise dropped from 77.8% to 39.3% after modernisation (p=0.0019). Noise remains to be a problem at the anode covering section where levels rise up to 100 dB(A). The modernisation of the factory has considerably reduced the noise level in the working environment of all plants, but it can not be reduced completely.

Frequency of the Audiometric Notch Following Excessive Noise Exposure

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 213-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lidija Ristovska ◽  
Zora Jachova ◽  
Nikica Atanasova
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Fisher Exact Test ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
History Of ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
Age Related Hearing Loss ◽  
Excessive Noise

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the configuration of pathologic audiograms in patients with excessive noise exposure, and to calculate the frequency of notches in the audiogram in patients with and without excessive noise exposure by avoiding the effect of age-related hearing loss. We have analyzed 514 audiograms of 257 patients aged between 20 to 50 years: 240 patients (mean age of 38.7 years) with excessive noise exposure and 17 patients (mean age of 41.2 years) with notches in the audiogram, but without a history of excessive noise exposure. For statistical data analysis we have used the Chi-square test and Fisher exact test with the level of significance p < 0.05. Pathologic audiograms were classified into five different types: Slope at 4000 Hz (0.8%), Slope at 2000 Hz (15.1%), Notch at 4000 Hz (67.4%), Notch at 2000 Hz (0.8%), Flat (8.9%), and 7% were out of this classification. A total of 190 (79.2%) patients with excessive noise exposure had a notch in the audiogram. Left ear notches were the most common. Among the patients with notched audiograms, 91.8% had a history of excessive noise exposure, either occupational or nonoccupational, and 8.2% did not report any excessive noise exposure.

Monitoring of Tram Traffic Noise in the Small Curve Radius

2014 ◽  
Vol 617 ◽  
pp. 120-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Panulinova ◽  
Slavka Harabinova
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Accurate Data ◽  
Calculation Methods ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Railway Line ◽  
Curve Radius ◽  
Excessive Noise

An excessive noise exposure not only decreases work quality and productivity, it also negatively affects human health. The most accurate data on noise levels can be obtained by measurements; however this approach is really time-consuming and its application is sometimes rather complicated. More frequently, calculation methods are used. The design methodology suggested by Liberko has been used for the calculations in Slovakia since 1991 [1]. As has been proved by experience, there is a need to re-evaluate some parts of the Slovak calculation methods and extend the number of initial parameters, so that much higher accuracy could be achieved. The layout (or the location) of the railway line is one of the parameters that at all events influence the level of noise caused by tramway transport. Providing that the ride of the tramway car is ideally straight in line, the forces that develop in a curve influence the acoustic situation in the vicinity of a moving tramway car. As this parameter has not yet been taken into account in calculations, the paper presented analyses the grounds for its use in noise prognoses.

Prioritizing the noise control methods by using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method in an Iranian tire factory

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Davoud Hassanvand ◽  
Hossein Elahi Shirvan ◽  
Mohammad Reza Ghotbi-Ravandi ◽  
Milad Beytollahi
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Hierarchy Process ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Noise Control ◽  
Maintenance Cost ◽  
Noise Generation ◽  
Control Methods ◽  
Control Engineering ◽  
Effectiveness And Efficiency ◽  
Hierarchy Process ◽  
Excessive Noise

BACKGROUND: Noise is a common harmful physical factor in the work environment. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to prioritize noise control methods using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in a tire factory. METHODS: The study, which adopted a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical design, was conducted in the baking hall of an Iranian tire manufacturing factory in 2018. 4 criteria (namely implementation and maintenance cost, method applicability, method effectiveness and efficiency, and intervention in the process) and 8 alternatives (including reducing individuals’ noise exposure time, designing and installing sound isolation chamber for operators, using of earmuffs and earplug simultaneously, changing processes or operational procedures in machinery with excessive noise generation, forming noise control engineering teams, requiring people in charge to quickly fix the leaks and change baking press washers on time, using acoustic panels in the ceiling and walls, and designing and manufacturing silencer and nuzzle for the steam and compressed air outlet of baking press machinery) were selected. Then, to prioritize noise control methods based on objectives, criteria, and alternatives, an AHP questionnaire was developed and completed by domain experts and noise control specialists. Data analysis was performed using Expert Choice V. 11 and Excel. RESULTS: The results showed that the inconsistency rate in all cases was less than 10%, hence the consistency of responses was approved. Based on experts’ opinion about the selected criteria, “implementation and maintenance cost” had the highest weight (0.481), while “method effectiveness and efficiency” recorded the lowest one (0.046). With regard to the alternatives, “change in the process” registered the greatest weight (0.193), whereas “individuals’ noise exposure time” had the lowest weight (0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the final weights, the most appropriate noise control methods in this industry are changing processes in machinery with excessive noise generation, forming noise control engineering team, and manufacturing silencer and nuzzle for the steam and compressed air outlet of baking press machinery. Furthermore, AHP is a suitable approach for prioritizing decisions related to noise control.

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