Occupational noise-induced hearing loss prevalence and noise abatement techniques in a steel-making plant

dc.contributor.authorNkosi, Vusumuzi
dc.contributor.authorClaassen, Nico
dc.contributor.authorVoyi, K.V.V. (Kuku)
dc.date.accessioned2016-03-08T10:54:02Z
dc.date.available2016-03-08T10:54:02Z
dc.date.issued2015
dc.description.abstractBACKGROUND : A high prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is observed amongst employees in the steel manufacturing industry. OBJECTIVE : To determine the prevalence of NIHL and current noise abatement techniques implemented at a steel manufacturing plant. METHODS : Structured questionnaires were completed by permanent employees at a steel-manufacturing plant for the purpose of collecting information on occupational and medical histories, noise exposure in and outside the work environment, use of hearing protection devices (HPDs), and current noise abatement procedures. A walk-through survey was also conducted to observe implemented noise abatement techniques using the Noise Induced Hearing Loss Regulations of 2003 as a guideline. RESULTS : A total of 17.9% of workers suffered from NIHL (95% CI 11.8% - 22.5%). Administrative controls, lubrication and mufflers were identified by more than 70% of the respondents as control procedures most often implemented by the company. Most of the respondents (77%) used HPDs always and 97% indicated that they fit their HPDs at the beginning of the shift. CONCLUSION : NIHL remains a significant health problem in this steel industry despite the implementation of noise abatement techniques and the implementation of a noise conservation programme with all the required elements.en_ZA
dc.description.librarianhb2015en_ZA
dc.description.sponsorshipUniversity of Pretoriaen_ZA
dc.description.urihttp://www.occhealth.co.zaen_ZA
dc.identifier.citationNkosi, V,Claassen, N & Voyi, KVV 2015, 'Occupational noise-induced hearing loss prevalence and noise abatement techniques in a steel-making plant', Occupational Health Southern Africa, vol. 21, no. 5, pp.12-18.en_ZA
dc.identifier.issn1024-6274 (print)
dc.identifier.issn2226-6097 (online)
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/51724
dc.language.isoenen_ZA
dc.publisherSouth African Society of Occupational Medicine (SASOM)en_ZA
dc.rightsSouth African Society of Occupational Medicine (SASOM). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.en_ZA
dc.subjectNoise controlen_ZA
dc.subjectNoise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)en_ZA
dc.subjectSteel manufacturing industryen_ZA
dc.titleOccupational noise-induced hearing loss prevalence and noise abatement techniques in a steel-making planten_ZA
dc.typeArticleen_ZA

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