scholarly journals Geospatial analysis of environmental noise levels in a residential area in Lagos, Nigeria

Noise Mapping ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 223-238
Author(s):  
Rose Anthony Alani ◽  
Olajomi Mary Ogunmoyela ◽  
Chukwuma John Okolie ◽  
Olagoke Emmanuel Daramola
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Residential Area ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
World Bank Group ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Environmental Health And Safety ◽  
Community Noise ◽  
The World

AbstractNoise is an inevitable part of daily life and has been identified as a cause of several health deficiencies across the world. It has increasingly become a significant concern on the health and well-being of people. Studies are required to advance knowledge on the sources and impacts of noise in residential neighbourhoods of Lagos State, Nigeria. Therefore, this study assesses the spatial variation of noise levels within a section of the Festac residential area in Lagos in line with noise limits specified by the World Bank Group International Finance Corporation (IFC) Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines and the Nigerian National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Noise Standards and Control guidelines for community noise. Data for this research come from a field study comprising measurements of noise levels from 6 observation stations and questionnaire survey with 200 respondents. The criteria for siting the stations was based on factors such as proximity to the roadside, land use and population density, while the questionnaire was administered at random to assess the peoples’ level of awareness on the sources and effects of noise. A digital sound level meter was used to measure noise level variations over a period of 3 weeks for morning, afternoon and evening periods. The measured noise levels were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) statistics and the Kriging Geostatistical interpolation technique. Also, logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between the respondents’ perceptions to noise and noise levels. The results indicated that the mean noise levels were within the approximate range of 53.5 – 94.0dBA over the entire period. The highest mean noise levels occurred in the north-western part of the study area where a bus park is present. In general, the noise levels in the area surpass the recommended noise limit of 55dBA, and the logistic regression showed that morning, afternoon and evening mean noise levels were significant predictors of noise variation as perceived by the dwellers. Proper legislation to regulate human activities with respect to noise generation is highly recommended to the local, state and national legislators.

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 Mental health and well-being of police in a health pandemic: Critical issues for police leaders in a post-COVID-19 environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 31-36
Author(s):  
Jacqueline M. Drew ◽  
Sherri Martin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Hurricane Katrina ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
World Trade Center ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Leadership Teams ◽  
Police Chiefs ◽  
The World

Law enforcement is an occupational group that is more “at risk” of physical and psychological harm, as its members are called on to be first responders to critical incidents, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and traumatic events. This paper explores how the COVID-19 pandemic has provided new and somewhat unique conditions under which police must serve their communities. The scope of involvement and implications for the physical and psychological health and safety of law enforcement officers across the world is unprecedented—impacting every frontline officer on every shift. Build-ing on an evidence-based review of research from previous events such as the World Trade Center attacks on 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, this paper develops key insights about the likely impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of police. A call to action for police chiefs and their leadership teams, including actionable recommendations to guide strategic and operational plans, is presented. Consideration must not only be given to the issues faced by police during the active COVID-19 period. Police chiefs and police leadership teams must plan and prepare now to meet the mental health legacy that COVID-19 will leave in its wake, months and possibly years later.

scholarly journals Traffic Intersections Noise Levels and Daily Noise Exposure in Chandrapur City, Central India

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 80-92
Author(s):  
Rahul K. Kamble
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Central India ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Road Design ◽  
Traffic Intersections ◽  
Level Meter

Noise level monitoring was carried out at nine important traffic intersections of the Chandrapur city to ascertain noise levels and daily noise exposure. A pre-calibrated mini sound level meter was used for noise measurement. Observations were recorded for 24 hours and noise level during the day, night and for 24-hours was computed. Maximum noise level during daytime was 84.27 dB(A) at Bangali camp square; whereas, minimum 79.23 dB(A) at Priyadarshani square. In case of nighttime maximum 85.90 dB(A) was at Warora naka square and minimum 70.06 dB(A) at the Jatpura gate. Minimum noise level during 24-hours was at Bagla square 84.34 dB(A) and maximum 91.14 dB(A) at Warora naka square. Noise level during day and night were above the Indian noise standard for the commercial area. The Bangali camp square was identified as the most ear-splitting square during daytime and Warora naka square at nighttime and for 24-hours also. Peak noise was recorded from 10.00 am to 11.00 am and 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm. Vehicular noise, horns, and improper road design contributed significantly to noise levels at traffic intersections. Daily noise exposure analysis by Health and Safety Executive, UK software revealed Bangali camp square and Ramnagar police station square’s daily noise exposure for 0.25 hour was maximum 70 LEP,d and minimum at Gandhi square and Bagla square 65 LEP,d. Noise levels indicated no immediate effect for hearing loss. Control measures for reduction of noise levels at traffic intersections have also been proposed.

scholarly journals Tourism Impacts on the Sense of Well Being and Satisfaction of life

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ratna Roostika
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Average Income ◽  
Tourism Impacts ◽  
Material Community ◽  
The World ◽  
Global Welfare ◽  
The City

The increasing of global welfare and economic development have caused the increasing number of tourists travelling around the world. Tourism and travelling are tertiary needs and have only become lifestyle when people or family have achieved considerably above average income. The increase of travelling lifestyle has not only impacted to the tourists themselves but also the residents living in the tourism areas. The objective of this study is to investigate how tourism impacts in terms of economic, social, cultural, and environmental impact on residents’ well-being (material, community, emotional and healthy/safety well-being). Further, residents’ welfare are tested on their impacts on life satisfaction. This research collected 179 valid responses from the city of Yogyakarta residents around local tourism areas. Using Partial Least Squares (PLS), it reveals that social and cultural impacts of tourism do not influence residents sense of well-being as well as their satisfaction with their life. Thus, residents’ life satisfaction caused by tourism activities are more defined by economic and environmental impacts. These impacts have been identified to significantly influence sense of material well-being and sense of health and safety. It can be concluded that from the tourism perspective, residents’ life satisfaction is determined more from the gain in material well-being, health and safety.

scholarly journals Noise levels of a track-laying tractor during field operations in the vineyard

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (2s) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro Catania ◽  
Mariangela Vallone
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Test Conditions ◽  
Maximum Value ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Class 1 ◽  
Level Meter ◽  
Almost All

Noise in agriculture is one of the risk factors to be taken into account in the assessment of the health and safety of workers; in particular, it is known that the tractor is a source of high noise. The Italian Low Decree 81/2008 defined the requirements for assessing and managing noise risk identifying a number of procedures to be adopted at different noise levels to limit workers exposure. This paper concerns the analysis of the noise risk arising from the use of a tracklaying tractor during field operations carried out in the vineyard. The objective of this study was to evaluate the noise level that comes close to the ear of the operator driving the tractor measuring the values of equivalent sound level (Leq(A)) and peak sound pressure (LCpk). We considered four options related to the same tractor coupled with the following tools to perform some farming operations: rototilling, chisel plough, flail mowers and vibro farmer. We considered three test conditions: T1 in flat (slope 0%), T2 uphill and T3 downhill (both 30% slope). The instrument used for the measurements is a precision integrating portable sound level meter, class 1, model HD2110L by Delta OHM, Italy. Each survey lasted 2 minutes, with an interval of measurement equal to 0.5 s. The tests were performed in compliance with the standards ISO 9612 and ISO 9432. The results show that the measured sound levels exceed the limits allowed by the regulations in almost all the test conditions; values exceeding the threshold limit of 80 dB(A) were recorded coming up to a maximum value of 92.8 dB(A) for flail mowers in test T1. When limits imposed by the regulations are exceeded, the operator is obliged to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.

scholarly journals Are nanomaterials really safe?

JMS SKIMS ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-76
Author(s):  
Farooq A Shiekh ◽  
Mohammad Uzair Lodhi ◽  
Syed Douhath Yousuf ◽  
Taha A Qureshi ◽  
Syed Mudassar
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Environmental Health ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Vantage Point ◽  
Environmental Health And Safety ◽  
Novel Materials ◽  
The World ◽  
Risk Assessment And Management

Nanotechnology is not but many nanoscale technologies with powerful engineering to control nanomaterials or matter-building atom-by-atom is gaining speed and focus. Although, the organization and creation of nanotechnology products or materials is not random, unfortunately a little is done about the mechanisms or rules that govern its assembly and toxicity. As a result, environmental health and safety agencies around the world continue to grapple with how best to regulate these novel materials. Taken together, the focus must be directed towards approaches and sophisticated tools for risk assessment and management. This review article continues the debate and offers a unique view perspective from the vantage point of a nanotechnologist. JMS 2018: 21 (2):72-76

scholarly journals Socially Assistive Robots Helping Older Adults through the Pandemic and Life after COVID-19

Robotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 106
Author(s):  
Cristina Getson ◽  
Goldie Nejat
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
User Experience ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Assistive Robots ◽  
Socially Assistive Robots ◽  
The World ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Health And Well Being

The COVID-19 pandemic has critically impacted the health and safety of the population of the world, especially the health and well-being of older adults. Socially assistive robots (SARs) have been used to help to mitigate the effects of the pandemic including loneliness and isolation, and to alleviate the workload of both formal and informal caregivers. This paper presents the first extensive survey and discussion on just how socially assistive robots have specifically helped this population, as well as the overall impact on health and the acceptance of such robots during the pandemic. The goal of this review is to answer research questions with respect to which SARs were used during the pandemic and what specific tasks they were used for, and what the enablers and barriers were to the implementation of SARs during the pandemic. We will also discuss lessons learned from their use to inform future SAR design and applications, and increase their usefulness and adoption in a post-pandemic world. More research is still needed to investigate and appreciate the user experience of older adults with SARs during the pandemic, and we aim to provide a roadmap for researchers and stakeholders.

scholarly journals Assessment of Observed Building Structure Setback of Shops along an Arterial Road and Noise Intrusion Level

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (12) ◽  
pp. 62-71
Author(s):  
Adinife Patrick Azodo ◽  
Christian Onwubalili ◽  
Tochukwu Canice Mezue
Keyword(s):  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Pollution Level ◽  
Horizontal Distance ◽  
Building Structure ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Test Analysis

Roads irrespective of the type have specific standard horizontal distance measured at 90 degrees from a lot boundary to a development known as a setback. Non-observance of the recommended setbacks accommodated in any urban center’s master plan creates noise hazard to the public health and safety as the movement of vehicular traffic is not without the attendant noise. This study assessed noise intrusion level in shops along a section of Ibadan-Abeokuta road with due consideration to compliance with the recommended building structure setback. Analysis of noise descriptors evaluated in this study gave A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level average of 91.3 dBA, the daytime average sound level (LD) 92.27 dBA, traffic noise index (TNI) 41.63 dBA, the noise pollution level (LNP) 85.91 dBA and noise climate (NC) 5.38 dBA. Correlation analysis between the observed setbacks and the noise levels gave an “r” value of -.496 significant at p < .05. The paired t-test analysis showed a mean ± SD difference of 15.90 ± 7.08, and t-value of 32.99, corresponding to a two-tailed p < .05 with 215 degrees of freedom. This implies that there was a significant statistical difference between the noise levels measured at the observed and recommended setbacks  

scholarly journals Traffic-Noise Assessment at Rush Hours in Quetta City

2020 ◽  
pp. 50-56
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Noise Level ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Community Noise ◽  
Noise Assessment

Noise is an environmental stressor, which leads to various ailments due to the physiological and psychological stresses it creates. It is essential to understand and evaluate the contributing factors of environmental noise, especially in densely polluted areas near major roads, railways and airports, for public health policy and planning. Noise level measurement permits precise and scientific analysis of noise annoyance, and therefore, this study aimed to determine the average noise levels of Quetta city. Seventy-three (73) location’s equivalent noise levels (Leq) were measured at peak rush hours for three consecutive days. Selected areas for measurement included health care centres, educational centres, government offices, public places, residential and commercial areas. All the selected sites were located near to main roads, where the traffic noise was the most prominent noise source. Noise was measured through calibrated microprocessor sound level meter. The results were computed by taking the mean of the three readings. The results showed 74 dBA as average noise level of Quetta city. It has been found that 90% of the selected locations in Quetta city exceeded the 65dBA, while 10 % of the total locations ranged between 55 to 65 dBA. The average noise exposure of the Quetta city was greater than the permissible international noise standard. This study identified the main traffic hubs of Quetta city, which requires mitigation strategies by the policy makers specifically for Health care and Educational sectors. It also requires adequate updated plans for community noise survey and ordinance.

scholarly journals Covid-19 and labour law in Belgium

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 276-285
Author(s):  
Frank Hendrickx ◽  
Simon Taes ◽  
Mathias Wouters
Keyword(s):  
Health And Safety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Labour Law ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
The World ◽  
Strong Relation ◽  
The Government

As Belgium and its population were heavily hit by the coronavirus, the Government adopted specific measures to address the economy and the world of work. The initiatives were deployed during the crisis but have also been designed for the exit scenario. Various measures have a strong relation with labour law. In addition to health and safety obligations, as specified in the Belgian Well-being Act, the new measures also refer to teleworking, social distancing, and have relied on the Belgian system of temporary unemployment.

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