[Research on the protective effect of hearing protective device for workers exposed to noise in a motor manufacturing enterprise].

Objective: To understand the current situation of noise hazard in a motor manufacturing enterprise, and to explore the protective effect of workers wearing hearing protective device and its possible influencing factors. Methods: In November 2021, a total of 179 noise workers wearing hearing protective devices in a motor manufacturing company in a city were selected as research objects. Personal attenuation rating (PAR) of workers wearing hearing protective devices was measured. Baseline PAR was analyzed for different subgroups of basic demographic information, noise exposure, and the use of hearing protective devices to evaluate the effect of the intervention. Baseline PAR was compared using nonparametric tests. Results: There were 179 workers from 35 positions in 4 types of work, and the over-standard noise rate was 51.2% (42/82), among which the noise exposure intensity of motor equipment debugging workers was the highest [94.4 dB (A) ]. Compared the baseline PAR of different characteristics, it was found that the baseline PAR of male workers, workers whose daily noise exposure time were <8 h, workers who had used the hearing protective devices for 10 to 14 years, and workers who thought the hearing protective devices were comfortable were all higher, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Baseline PAR passing rate was 43.0% (77/179), and PAR of 102 workers who did not pass baseline test increased from 0 (0, 3) dB before intervention to 14 (12, 16) dB after intervention, with statistical significance (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The noise hazard in this motor manufacturing enterprise is serious, and the protective effect of workers wearing hearing protective devices is not good. Gender, daily noise exposure time, years and comfort of wearing hearing protective device are the possible influencing factors of poor protective effect.

[Risk assessment on noise-induced hearing loss of 488 workers in a petrochemical plant].

Objective: To assess the risk of noise-induced hearing loss in workers from a petrochemical plant. Methods: In October 2020, 488 male workers exposed to noise in a petrochemical plant in Guangdong Province were selected by cluster sampling. Acoustics-Estimation of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (ISO 1999: 2013) was used to assess the risk of noise-induced hearing loss of workers, and individual fit testing was used to evaluate the sound attenuation obtained by the workers. The risk assessment results and fitness test results of workers with different hearing levels were compared. Results: The average noise exposure equivalent sound level of the workers in the petrochemical plant was 86.7 dB (A) . The median of PARs (personal attenuation ratings) was 16 (4, 23) dB. There were statistically significant differences in age and service years among workers with different hearing results (P<0.05) , but no statistically significant differences in noise intensity and PARs (P>0.05) . According to risk assessment results of ISO 1999: 2013, the current risk of high-frequency hearing loss in 488 workers were negligible risk and acceptable risk. The risk of noise-induced deafness weredivided into three levels: negligible risk in 452 workers (92.7%) , medium risk in 27 workers (5.5%) and high risk in 9 workers (1.8%) . The risk of high-frequency hearing loss in next 5 to 15 years for workers with noise exposure level of >94 to 97 dB and >97 dB or above would be medium risk or above. The risk of noise-induced deafness in next 5 to 15 years for workers exposed to noise withlevel of 91 to 94 dB would be medium risk or above. Conclusion: The risk of noise-induced hearing loss in workers from the petrochemical plant is high in next 5 to 15 years, and noise prevention and control measures need to be strengthened. ISO1999: 2013 assessment method may underestimate the risk of hearing loss among workers.

Relationship Between Noise-Related Risk Perception, Knowledge, and the Use of Hearing Protection Devices Among Para Rubber Wood Sawmill Workers.

BACKGROUND: The understanding of the relationship between risk perception, knowledge, and protective behaviors could play a major role in occupational risk control and management. Research exploring how workers perceive, recognize, and react to risks in different occupational settings is scarce in Thailand. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of noise-related risk perceptions and knowledge to the use of hearing protective devices (HPDs) among sawmill workers in Thailand. METHODS: Sawmill workers (n = 540) from four factories in Trang, Southern Thailand, participated in a questionnaire interview from December 2015 to January 2016. Descriptive statistics and linear regression models were used to explore the risk factors related to HPD use. Path diagram analysis was demonstrated and used to evaluate associations. RESULTS: Risk perception was significantly correlated with HPD use (p < 0.01), HPD training (p = 0.01), and the number of years of work experience (p = 0.03). Sawmill workers were likely to use HPDs based on their risk perception and HPD training. However, HPD training was inversely correlated with age and the number of years of work experience. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the importance of risk perceptions and knowledge, and these factors should be emphasized in the design and implementation of any personal safety intervention program for sawmill workers.