Self-assessment of hearing status and risk of noise-induced hearing loss in workers in a rolling stock plant

Noise measurements and questionnaire inquiries were carried out for 124 workers of a rolling stock plant to develop a hearing conservation program. On the basis of that data, the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) was evaluated. Additionally, the workers' hearing ability was assessed with the (modified) Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap, (m)AIADH. The workers had been exposed to noise at A-weighted daily noise exposure levels of 74-110 dB for 1-40 years. Almost one third of the workers complained of hearing impairment and the (m)AIADH results showed some hearing difficulties in over half of them. The estimated risk of hearing loss over 25 dB in the frequency range of 3-6 kHz was 41-50% when the standard method of predicting NIHL specified in Standard No. ISO 1999:1990 was used. This risk increased to 50-67% when noise impulsiveness, coexposure to organic solvents, elevated blood pressure and smoking were included in calculations.     

我国纺织噪声暴露现状及听力损失情况预测

通过对国内纺织业从业人员数量、工龄的统计和企业实地噪声情况的调查，借鉴ISO1999—1975（E）和其它相关方法预测我国纺织行业噪声暴露情况和从业人员的听力损失情况。经过预测，结果显示纺织从业人员暴露于85dB以下噪声的约有289．3万人，85～95dB约有381．2万人，高于95dB约有329．5万人；对于听力损失的预测，采用悲观和乐观法分别进行预测，结果表明约有100．57万人和21．61万人患有听力损失；结合实际调研情况对预测数据进行修正，结果表明目前我国纺织行业约有70．96万人患有听力损失。     

Evaluation of sound exposure and risk of hearing impairment in orchestral musicians

This study aimed to assess exposure to sound and the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in orchestral musicians. Sound pressure level was measured in 1 opera and 3 symphony orchestras; questionnaires were filled in. On the basis of that data, the risk of NIHL was assessed according to Standard No. ISO 1999:1990. Classical orchestral musicians are usually exposed to sound at equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure levels of 81?90 dB (10th?90th percentiles), for 20?45 h (10th?90th percentiles) per week. Occupational exposure to such sound levels over 40 years of employment might cause hearing loss (expressed as a mean hearing threshold level at 2, 3, 4 kHz exceeding 35 dB) of up to 26%. Playing the horn, trumpet, tuba and percussion carries the highest risk (over 20%).     

A methodology for assessment of long-term exposure to whole-body vibrations in vehicle drivers to propose preventive safety measures

Introduction: The appearance of musculoskeletal disorders (MDs) in professional drivers due to exposition to whole-body vibration (WBV) makes it relevant to assess this exposure. The European Directive 2002/44/EC has two methods to evaluate exposure to WBV (defined in ISO2631-1:2008). These methods evaluate the exposure associated with an 8-hour working day; however, MDs due to WBV could also be caused by accumulated exposure to vibrations over long term, and hence, the methods defined in the European directive may be limited in their ability to ensure the safety of workers exposed to WBV throughout their years of employment. Method: A detailed comparison and discussion of methods defined in the European Directive and the ISO2631-5:2018 was used as a starting point of the main results of this paper. On this basis, a new methodology for the management and organization of preventive measures is proposed to consider the assessment of ISO2631-5:2018 standard and the full working life of workers. Experimental data to assess exposure to WBV in heavy equipment vehicle (HEV) drivers under different road surface conditions and range of velocities were considered to illustrate the process of the proposed methodology. Results: The methods defined in the standards provide different assessments leading to a different possible consideration of safe operations when the risks associated with them may actually be high. The proposed methodology can be used with the aim of ensuring safety of workers throughout their working lives and providing an easy implementation of the calculations of ISO2631-5:2018 standard. Conclusions: A procedure to assess the health risk probability to which the HEV worker is exposed in terms of the exposure years and a different range of operational vehicle speeds is proposed and exemplified with a study case. Practical applications: This study provides a practical tool for the management of WBV exposure related to work-tasks in HEV drivers. Safety managers should consider the global exposition to WBV throughout their working life, and this research provides an easy tool to accomplish it.     

铅与噪声对蓄电池制造作业工人健康影响的联合作用

探讨铅与噪声对蓄电池制造作业工人的联合作用,为职业危害联合作用健康管理提供科学依据。依据蓄电池厂作业工人的职业史调查、环境检测和生物检测资料,将研究对象分为铅与噪声联合暴露组、单纯铅暴露组、正常组,分析比较3组作业工人的听力损伤、神经系统和消化系统症状、贫血结果。结果显示在4 000 Hz和6 000 Hz频率段,联合组听力异常率及听阈均值高于单纯铅暴露组和正常组(P0.05),与单纯铅暴露组和正常组比较,联合组的神经系统和消化系统症状率明显增多(P0.05)。表明铅和噪声联合作用可增加作业者的听觉系统、神经系统和消化系统症状患病,并提出相应管理对策。     

Occupational noise exposure and hearing defects among sawmill workers in the south of Thailand

The aim of this study was to investigate occupational noise exposure and hearing defects among sawmill workers in the south of Thailand. Seven hundred sawmill workers participated, of which 335 (47.9%) were male. The mean age of the sawmill workers was 33.5 years (SD 10.2), and more than 60% were <35 years old; 75.1% of the workers had less than 5 years of work experience. Only about one in four workers (25%) had been trained in use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and half of the participants never or rarely wore PPE while working. The prevalence rate of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) was 22.8% (N?=?42). Male workers had significantly higher risk than female workers (odds ratio [OR]?=?2.21). Workers aged older than 25 years had significantly higher risks for NIHL (OR?=?3.51–12.42) than workers younger than 25 years. Sawing workers had higher risk for NIHL than office workers (OR?=?3.07).     

Assessment of the effect of welding fumes on welders’ cognitive failure and health-related quality of life

Introduction. This study examined whether cognitive symptoms and health-related quality of life can be affected by welding fume exposure. Method. Participants consisted of welders (n?=?40) and welder assistants (n?=?25) from welding units as the exposed group, and office workers (n?=?44) as the non-exposed group. All participants were studied using ambient air monitoring and two types of questionnaires: the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results. Welders and welder assistants were exposed to higher concentrations of all airborne metals than office employees, except for aluminum and chromium (p?p?M (SD)?=?54.84 (17.88)). The relationships between total CFQ score and the measured concentration of nickel at peak work rate was significant for welders. Conclusion. Cognitive symptoms and health-related quality of life were not related to the measures of welding fume exposure and further research should be performed to find other influencing factors.     

电子工业脉冲噪声对工人健康影响的调查研究

对电子行业接触脉冲噪声的冲压工进行了调查，其脉冲噪声水平波动在１０２～１１２ｄＢ（八）之间（峰值），对作业工人听力已产生不同程度的损伤，心电图在中高工龄组有改变。还分析了脉冲噪声引起听力损失与暴露时间有密切关系。提出了进一步加强安全监督管理的对策。     

Noise and neurotoxic chemical exposure relationship to workplace traumatic injuries: A review

IntroductionMore than 5,000 fatalities and eight million injuries occurred in the workplace in 2007 at a cost of $6 billion and $186 billion, respectively. Neurotoxic chemicals are known to affect central nervous system functions among workers, which include balance and hearing disorders. However, it is not known if there is an association between exposure to noise and solvents and acute injuries. Method: A thorough review was conducted of the literature on the relationship between noise or solvent exposures and hearing loss with various health outcomes. Results: The search resulted in 41 studies. Health outcomes included: hearing loss, workplace injuries, absence from work due to sickness, fatalities, hospital admissions due to workplace accidents, traffic accidents, hypertension, balance, slip, trips, or falls, cognitive measures, or disability retirement. Important covariates in these studies were age of employee, type of industry or occupation, or length of employment. Discussion: Most authors that evaluated noise exposure concluded that higher exposure to noise resulted in more of the chosen health effect but the relationship is not well understood. Studies that evaluated hearing loss found that hearing loss was related to occupational injury, disability retirement, or traffic accidents. Studies that assessed both noise exposure and hearing loss as risk factors for occupational injuries reported that hearing loss was related to occupational injuries as much or more than noise exposure. Evidence suggests that solvent exposure is likely to be related to accidents or other health consequences such balance disorders. Conclusions: Many authors reported that noise exposures and hearing loss, respectively, are likely to be related to occupational accidents. Practical applications: The potential significance of the study is that findings could be used by managers to reduce injuries and the costs associated with those injures.     

Health impact and noise exposure assessment in the cricket bat industry of Kashmir,India

Aim. The aim of the present study was to identify and evaluate predominant noise sources in the cricket bat industry of Kashmir, India. Methods. Sound levels were measured at operator’s ear level in the working zone of the workers of seven cricket bat factories. The impact assessment was made through personal interviews with each worker separately during their period of rest. Results. On average, 62.5% of the workers reported difficulty in hearing and 24.1% of the workers have become patients for hypertension. Only 58.1% of the workers complained of headache due to high noise level. Conclusions. The workers engaged in the cricket bat industry of Kashmir are exposed to high noise levels. It is suggested that personal protective equipment like ear plugs and ear muffs be used by these workers as a protection against this hazard.     

Noise exposure as related to productivity, disciplinary actions, absenteeism, and accidents among textile workers

A sample of 2458 workers exposed to average noise levels ranging from 80 to 99 dBA in different operations of three textile mills was studied with respect to their productivity, work rule violations, absenteeism, and accidents. The three mills were in rural, suburban, and urban locations. Noise exposure levels were measured in individual departments of the mills, and workers were interviewed to ascertain socioeconomic background, work history data, and health status. Workers' job attitude was rated by their supervisors, and data about their productivity, disciplinary reports, absenteeism, and accidents were collected from plant records. Results of the study suggested that workers in departments with high noise levels (above 90 dBA) had more disciplinary actions and absenteeism and lesser productivity than those in departments with low noise exposure (below 90 dBA). Disciplinary actions showed the greatest difference between the high-noise and low-noise departments followed by production incentives, production efficiency, and absenteeism. Noise appeared to affect the quality of work as reflected by disciplinary actions for material damage, and this effect was higher in weaving and spinning operations which involved vigilance tasks. The frequency and severity rates of accidents in highnoise departments were greater than in low-noise departments. Certain personal and socioeconomic factors affected high vs. low noise exposure differences found among workers for the investigated variables. These effects were most apparent for absenteeism and, to a lesser extent, productivity. Disciplinary actions did not appear to be influenced by any such individual factors. It was concluded that noise abatement in the textile industry could be beneficial to worker productivity and well being and contribute to more economically effective operation.     

Design of Optimal Noise Hazard Control Strategy With Budget Constraint

An analytical design procedure to determine optimal noise hazard control strategies for industrial facilities is presented. Its objective is to determine a set of appropriate noise controls to eliminate or reduce noise levels so that workers ‘ daily noise exposure does not exceed a permissible level. From a given noise control budget, engineering controls will be firstly implemented, followed by administrative controls, and then the use of hearing protection devices. Six optimization models are developed and sequentially applied to select appropriate noise controls without exceeding the budget. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the application of the proposed design procedure.     

噪声对岗位职工血三脂水平影响的调查分析

通过对金川公司１２４８名职工血三脂水平调查的结果表明：长期在噪声环境下作业,会导致血清中总胆固醇和甘油三酯的含量增高;噪声暴露量与血清中总胆固醇、甘油三酯的含量及血三脂的异常率呈正相关,与高密度脂蛋白的含量呈负相关;建议把血三脂的测定作为噪声岗位职工的健康监护指标之一。     

工作场所手传振动的测量与评估——以割草机和绿篱机为例

根据ISO 5349:2001规定，将三轴加速度传感器安装在割草机和绿篱机的手柄上，通过振动分析仪AWA 6258测量割草机和绿篱机的频率计权振动总值，以进行手传振动的危害评估。结果表明:割草机和绿篱机的日振动暴露量A(8)值均超过了我国标准规定的日暴露振动限值3.5 m/s2，预计分别经过1.8～8.5 a和1.9～5.2 a后，暴露于割草和修枝工种人群的10%以上将出现振动性白指，为了有效降低或避免手臂振动病的发生，该行业的作业人员每日接触振动的时间应该控制在2.6 h以内。     

某飞机维修公司个人听力防护用品使用情况调查分析

为了解听力防护用品使用过程中的问题,提高我国噪声暴露工人听力防护用品的使用率和有效率,选择噪声危害较大的某飞机维修公司的员工,进行听力防护用品使用情况的问卷调查。结果显示:该公司为员工提供耳塞和耳罩两种听力防护用品;员工的听力保护意识、使用情况较好,使用率达95%,但对听力防护用品相关知识的了解不够全面;能够在工作中一直坚持使用的工人较少,仅占11%,影响工人工作时间使用听力防护用品时间长短的因素主要是其舒适性。调查分析提示:在未来听力防护用品的生产过程中,需要进一步加强和改善舒适性的技术;政府、企业和个人3方面共同参与,降低职业性噪声暴露对工人听力的损伤。     

Noise Control Strategies for Occupational Safety and Better Working Environments

Hearing impairment in humans due to occupational noise exposure is one of the significant occupational diseases in many countries. The equipment to measure noise levels and daily noise exposure in existing noisy environments is readily available and can be used to assess the risk of hearing damage. This article examines the currently legislated hearing damage risk criterion and compares the two main noise level-time trade-off schemes being used. The engineering methods for controlling excessive noise levels and techniques to either bring them below the hearing damage risk threshold or to within an acceptable range for the workplace requirement are discussed, together with the expected improvements by such measures.     

化肥行业噪声危害调查及治理评价

通过对７家大中型化肥厂的噪声调查，分析了化肥行业中的噪声源特性和岗位噪声暴露状况。对１６０１名作业工人进行了体检并得出了噪声危害和岗位噪声的剂量──反应关系。还对各厂已采取的噪声治理措施进行了技术评价。最后，根据化肥行业的特点，提出了降低噪声和加强听力保护的几点建议。     

护耳器使用现状评述

研究表明：护耳器现场使用实际声衰减值低于实验室值,其原因是护耳器的实验室测量条件较为严格。工人在现场实际使用护耳器时,未能同实验室中的受试者一样佩戴护耳器,因而获得的护耳器声衰减比实验室所测得的值低。另一方面,在８小时强噪声环境中工作期间,未自始至终佩戴护耳器,则也达不到预期的保护听力的效果。笔者还综合分析和评述了护耳器现场使用时实际声衰减值降低的原因,并提出了一些有益的建议     

Validation of Methods for Determination of Metabolic Rate in the Edholm Scale and ISO 8996

The aim of this study was to validate the Edholm scale (Edholm, 1966) and the ISO 8996 standard (International Organization for Standardization [ISO], 1990) by comparing the metabolic rates estimated for both methods with the actual measured metabolic rate (M_Meas) in 6 manual material handling tasks simulated under laboratory conditions. The metabolic rate was calculated from oxygen consumption VO₂ (19 participants) according to Standard No. ISO 8996 (ISO, 1990). Additionally, the participants estimated perceived exertion using the Borg scale. The metabolic rates derived from the Edholm scale (M_Edh) overestimated 5 of 6 activities by 34-50% (α = .05). The metabolic rates derived from ISO 8996 (M_ISO) overestimated all activities by 7-38% (α =.05).