engleski

Noise exposure and work-related injury rate in woodworkers

Aim: This study compares the injury rate among two groups of woodworkers who were exposed to occupational noise (from 86 to 106 dBA). Methods: A sample of 274 woodworkers (84% men) was surveyed over 12 months collecting information on injury according to BLS Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System. The Checklist for Hearing and Work was administered to 72 power tool operators exposed to noise levels of 97-106 dB(A) and 202 manual handling workers exposed to noise levels of 86-89 dB(A). Pure-tone audiometry tests between 0.5 and 6 kHz were performed. Results: At the 4 kHz frequency, 24% material handling workers and 37% power saw operators exhibited hearing loss greater than 25 dB. Power saw operators most frequently get injured (incidence rate per thousand employees 64:36). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that power tool operators (OR = 2.6) older workers (OR = 1.48 per 10 years) and smokers (OR= 1.7) were at increased risk of occupational injury. Conclusion: Plant noise exposure (86-106 dBA) is a serious risk to the hearing and injury rate in this group of woodworkers. We recommend that injury education and interventions in this working population should target power tool operators with special attention to workers who have physical impairments

noise; injury; woodworkers

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