STUDI KOMPARASI TEKANAN DARAH SEBELUM DAN SESUDAH TERPAPAR KEBISINGAN PADA TENAGA KERJA DI PT. ARTO METAL INTERNASIONAL SIDOARJO TAHUN 2012

PT Arto Metal International is one of the companies that utilize production machineries capable ofproducing high-intensity noise. Among the impacts of such engines relate to various health problemsamong workers who work around noisy places such as increased blood pressure. Therefore it isconsidered necessary to learn the differences in blood pressure before and after exposure to occupationalnoise upon workers of the company.This research employed analytical approach, to study the dynamics between risk factors (exposureto noise) and effect (increased blood pressure), based on time. This is a cross-sectional study, since thevariables of risk factors and effects were observed simultaneously. Sampling is done by simple randomsampling, and data were analyzed for blood pressure before and after noise exposure, by way of Paired Ttests.Measurement of noise intensity results in an average of 94.9 dBA. This noise intensity exceeds theTLV (Threshold Limit Value) as designated by the Ministry Manpower No. 51/Men/1999 which is set at 85dBA for 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. Results of the Paired T-tests, both for systolic and diastolic bloodpressure difference between blood pressure before and after exposure to noiseTherefore, it is suggested that the company execute noise control in technical, administrativeaspects, and provided a number of ear protective devices so that every worker will wear ear protectorswhen workingKeywords: blood pressure; noise.

The Need for a Participatory Conservation Programme for the Reduction of Noise Exposure to Thai Female Workers

Hearing loss induced in thirty female workers because of exposure to continuous noise was studied in a plastic bag plant in Samutprakarn Province, the largest industrial zone in Thailand. The sound level in this plant was 98.5 dBA., 94.0 dBA. and 93.0 dBA. in the weaving, winding and warping sections, respectively. Results of an audiometric test showed a significant relationship between high noise level and hearing loss at frequency 4, 000 Hz. A questionnaire survey found that a relatively high number of workers had various symptoms such as: 76.7% general fatigue, 70% headache, 63.3% ear distension and 56.7% vertigo. Concerning the usage of ear protective devices, it was found that 80% of the workers have never used such devices, 16.7% occasionally used them, and 3.3% have always used cotton wool to reduce the high noise level. Their reasons for non-use of ear protective devices were 1) not provided by the employer (86.7%), 2) not necessary (83.3%), 3) accustomed to the noise (63.3%), 4) nobody uses (56.7%), and 5) no loud noise (16.7%). These results point to the need for improving the work conditions and welfare services of the workers at this plant. Also, hearing conservation programmes can be instituted in developing countries through cooperation among the safety inspectorate, the employer and the workers.