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OCCUPATIONAL NOISE EXPOSURE AND ITS IMPACT ON WORKER'S HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES

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This Cross-sectional research work based on a number of difficulties faced by workers and effects on their health along with their causes. This study also provides some tips-off to solve the causes in an appropriate way. Data were collected through Environmental Noise Survey, blood pressure measurement and plus rate, Questionnaire filling, and personal interview. Using a digital sound level meter, minimum and maximum sound levels were recorded to distinguish it between average sound levels. This survey was also conducted to identify the health problems like ear allergies, head injuries, fatigue, trauma disease, tinnitus and high blood pressure faced by the workers during the working, and rest of the working hours. The minimum noise recorded 86.6dB (A) and maximum is 100.8dB (A). This research briefs the outcomes and causes of noise as generated by industries at the workplace.
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International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences
e-ISSN : 2289-7577. Vol. 5:No. 2
March/April 2018
Nadir Buksh, Yasmeen Nargis, Chen Yun, Dongsheng He, Muhammad Ghufran.
180
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OCCUPATIONAL NOISE EXPOSURE AND ITS IMPACT ON
WORKER’S HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES
Nadir Buksh1, 2, Yasmeen Nargis2, Chen Yun3, Dongsheng He4*,
Muhammad Ghufran.5
1 Fuel Research Center, PCSIR Karachi Pakistan.
2 Environmental Research Center, BUKC Karachi Pakistan.
3 Hunan Huaqi Resources and Environmental Science and Technology Development Co
Ltd., Zhuzhou China.
4 School of Resource and Civil Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology China.
5 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-Sindh), Karachi Pakistan.
*Corresponding author: Dongsheng He, School of Resource and Civil Engineering, Wuhan
Institute of Technology China. Email: csuhy@126.com
ABSTRACT
This Cross-sectional research work based on a number of difficulties faced by workers and
effects on their health along with their causes. This study also provides some tips-off to solve
the causes in an appropriate way. Data were collected through Environmental Noise Survey,
blood pressure measurement and plus rate, Questionnaire filling, and personal interview.
Using a digital sound level meter, minimum and maximum sound levels were recorded to
distinguish it between average sound levels. This survey was also conducted to identify the
health problems like ear allergies, head injuries, fatigue, trauma disease, tinnitus and high
blood pressure faced by the workers during the working, and rest of the working hours.
The minimum noise recorded 86.6dB (A) and maximum is 100.8dB (A). This research briefs
the outcomes and causes of noise as generated by industries at the workplace.
Keywords: Health Impact, Industrial Noise, Production Units, Workers.
International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences
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March/April 2018
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1.0 Introduction
Occupational health and safety are interdepend and complementary to each other it play a
vital role in the life of workers. Hearing loss due to noise pollution is one of the most
common occupational disease, more attention is being paid to its harmful effects (Loukzadeh
et al., 2014; Zamanian et al., 2013). Noise hearing loss has been listed as the third epidemic
disease worldwide, it can cause physiological and psychological dysfunction (Yuen, 2014).
Noises create physiologically, tinnitus and psychologically negative effects on human beings.
Among the physiological effects, most of the common is hearing loss (Attarchi et al., 2010;
Fada et al., 2017). Development of occupational rules and regulations has been started from
the days of the ancient Babylonians (Goetsch, 2008). The safe and healthy workplace is very
important for workers, nowadays this is a very growing professional topic (Goetsch, 2008).
Occupational health is an important concern, group of working age peoples bear disability
burden and sickness due to work place injuries, as noise is drawn a global problem which
leads to permanent hearing loss (Ahmad et al., 2001; Gilks & Logan, 2010). Hearing loss can
severely compromise the efficiency of workers and their abilities, due to loud noise it is in
non-reversible and may lead to lifetime clinical care or permanent dysfunction (Yankaskas,
2013; Yong & Wang, 2015; Gordon et al., 2016).
In the sense of community noise, where occupational noise due to urban transportation has
effected in term of air and noise pollution (Stansfeld, 2015). It is a dangerous risk of hearing
keenness, safety, and health due to the high level of noise exposure (Rabinowiz, 2012). Large
portion of general public are suffered from chronic noise exposure 79dBA, which is exceeded
EPA recommendation limit that possibly will result in long-term adverse effects on hearing
(Flamme et al., 2012). The effect of noise can be divided into four categories (A). Physical
effects (hearing defects), (B). Psychological effects (irritability and stress), (C). Effects on
work performance (reduction of productivity), (D). Physiological effects (increased blood
pressure) (Jakovljevic et al., 2006). Occupational injuries arising from work cost the Canadian
economy an estimated at 19 billion dollar annually, occupational hearing loss continues to be
among ten leading occupational deceases and it is also an alarming sign as hearing is at risk
(Gilks & Logan, 2010; World Health Organization, 2014). According to the statistical report,
600 million workers are exposed to occupational noise worldwide (HSME magazine, 2012).
Mostly the industrial workers like construction, mining, textile, stone cutting, and loams are
severely affected by this problem (Engdahl & Tambs, 2010; Masterson et al., 2015; Fada et
al., 2017). It is necessary for industrial workers to be aware of the importance of Primary
Protective Equipment in order to overcome the chronic effect of noise (Fada et al., 2017).
Several studies have been published to highlight the negative effects of noise pollution.
Hanini & Abdel-Rahim, 2002, identify the strong correlation between Occupational noise and
arterial blood pressure (systolic & diastolic), pulse rate, and hearing threshold levels at
different frequencies. According to the Chang et al., 2003, they identify a significance
difference of 16mmHg of systolic blood pressure in sleep-time existed between two exposures
group at automobile factory in China. Kerketta et al., 2011, they worked at India chromite
mining complex regarding methodical noise monitoring inside the work zone area. According
to the Alsheikh & Dana, 2012, they identify the possible effect of noise pollution related
blood oxygen saturation, hearing threshold levels, pulse rate and blood pressure, they
indicated workers exposed to noise more than 90 dB. Yousif et al., 2013, assessed the
exposure of noise pollution in selected industries in Duhok city Iraq, they discussed the risk of
arterial blood pressure where workers exposed with occupational noise effects.
International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences
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In the early stage, it is very difficult to diagnose the occupational health diseases as they often
have a long latency period, most workers hearing ability is affected through the dangerous
effect of high noise level (Ashrafi, 2005). The productivity of the industrial enterprises and
physical burden of work has been decreased by placing modern automated machines in
industries.
In Pakistan, noise is the main cause of hearing impairment, and industries are the main source
(World health organization, 1997). Pakistan national environmental quality standards (PEQs)
is set for motor vehicles noise only, the maximum permissible noise emission limit is 85 dB
(A), there are still no other rules and regulations in Pakistan (Pakistan Environmental
Protection Agency, 2007). The situation is worst in developing countries like Pakistan due to
lake of awareness and weak legislation, the recent negative result is even bigger. To overcome
this problem more workshops and public seminars should be established to illuminate the
hazards of noise. So, the higher authorities and workers take more interest to maintain the
health and safety measures at work place.
The aim and objective of this research are to evaluate noise level and their impact on worker's
health and investigates the perception of plant workers attitude about health and safety. This
paper also helps to describe the status of occupational noise pollution in the small and
medium enterprises in Karachi city. It is very important to understand occupational noise
exposure in different areas and relationship between noise and its adverse effect on human
body. This study disclosed noise emission level, workers health, and change in blood pressure
before and after noise exposure. The effect of noise on industry workers leaves severe
economic, psychological impact on worker’s life. In Karachi-Pakistan, there is a lot of hidden
research areas to discover more in this field. This project was planned to evaluate the
exposures of noise levels, health impact and safety measures in some selected industrial
workers at Karachi city.
2.0 Materials and Methods
This research work evaluated the occupational noise exposure and its impact on industrial
workers. The sample of this study consists of 100 workers from five different industries:
Textile, Agro-based (fertilizer), Marble & Mosaic, Khaddi loams (home based) and Lather
Industry (Tannery). The worker's age group around 25 to 35 years, with the same working
hours, all workers are in a good condition and no history regarding hearing loss and they have
at least four years working at the similar workstation. These 100 workers represent five
above-mentioned industries (20 workers/Industry). Officers and their subordinates are clearly
understood about the theme of this study. Mostly all of them are helpful and self-motivated.
Data was collected through Environmental Noise Survey, blood pressure measurement and
plus rate, Questionnaire filling, and personal interview.
Noise survey was conducted in accordance with the procedure standard manual of ASTM E-
1503 for accurate and precise results. The blood pressure and pulse rate value were measured
for each worker by Electronic Digital Wrist blood pressure Medical Rossmax, accuracy ±3
mmHg (Z46). Samples were collected twice a day first in morning 9:30 am to 10:00 am and
second is after 4hrs-5hrs (during work), the measurement includes systolic and diastolic blood
International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences
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pressure and pulse rate by using portable equipment. A comprehensive questionnaire was
prepared in the English language which is based on five parts (Short description about
workers, Analyzing working position and general awareness, Using of primary protective
equipment, Agree and disagree statement and risk perception, Awareness of worker's health).
Personal interviews were held for those plant workers that they are illiterate but highly
experienced. Such workers are usually unable to express their feelings in written form, with
the help of interview we understand their feelings and valuable information related noise
exposure and relevant to safety measure.
3.0 Results
To understand the impact of noise exposure on worker’s health in Karachi City, many
variables such as pulse rate, noise level and blood pressure were analyzed.
3.1 Environmental noise survey
Quest, U.S.A 2900 type-2, measuring unit (dB), accuracy ±0.5 were used for noise
measurement .Noise exposure were measured in work stations corresponding to each sampled
workers location. Noise survey was conducted in accordance with the procedure standard
manual of ASTM E-1503 for accurate and precise results.
Table 1: Noise Level Pollution in dB (A)
S.no
Name of Industry
Type
Number of
Worker
Examined
Leq in dB(A)
Mean value
1
Industry A
Textile Sector
20
89.6
2
Industry B
Agro-based
(Fertilizer Unit)
20
97.6
3
Industry C
Marble and
Mosaic
20
88.0
4
Industry D
Loam Unit,
Khaddi (home
based)
20
100.8
5
Industry E
Lather Industry
(Tannery)
20
86.6
International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences
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Figure 1: Noise Level Pollution in dB (A)
3.2 Measuring blood pressure and pulse rate.
The blood pressure and pulse rate value were measured for each workers by Electronic Digital
Wrist blood pressure Medical Rossmax, accuracy ±3 mmHg (Z46).
Table 2: Net change of blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), and pulse rate before and after
exposure.
Systolic (mmHg)
Diastolic (mmHg)
Pulse rate
(Beats/minute)
120.0
77.0
76.7
127.8
85.0
89.5
7.8
8.0
12.8
Sample were collected twice a day first in morning 9:30am to 10:00am and second is after
4hrs-5hrs (during work), the measurement includes systolic and diastolic blood pressure and
pulse rate by using portable equipment.
Figure 2: Values of average systolic blood pressure Vs noise pollution level (before and
after)
75
80
85
90
95
100
105
Industry A Industry B Industry C Industry D Industry E
Leq in dB(A) Mean value
After exposure Systolic…
110
120
130
140
80-90 90-100 100-110
Systolic blood presure (before & after noise exposure)
Before exposure Systolic (mmHg) After exposure Systolic (mmHg)
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Figure 3: Values of average Diastolic blood pressure Vs noise pollution level (before and
after)
Figure 4: Values of average Pulse rate Vs noise pollution level (before and after)
3.3 Analyzing Questionnaire
A comprehensive questionnaire were prepared in English language. This part was to examine
the data of the questionnaire according to the classification.
Before exposure Diastolic (mmHg)
After exposure Diastolic (mmHg)
0
20
40
60
80
100
80-90 90-100 100-110
Diastolic blood presure (before & after noise exposure)
Before exposure Diastolic (mmHg) After exposure Diastolic (mmHg)
Before exposure Pulse rate (Beats/minute)
After exposure Pulse rate (Beats/minute)
0
20
40
60
80
100
80-90 90-100 100-110
Pulse rate (before & after noise exposure)
Before exposure Pulse rate (Beats/minute)
After exposure Pulse rate (Beats/minute)
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3.3.1 Analyzing working position, noise exposure and workers health Injuries
This part have seven (07) questions. 1st and 2nd questions includes standing and operating
position of worker in work place, 3rd and 4th question consist of about the mental feelings, 5th
to 7th about to understand speech interference working stress and educational background
related to threat of noise exposure.
Figure 5: Noise exposure and workers health Injuries
Figure 6: Analyzing working position and general awareness.
3.3.2 Using primary protective equipment’s
This part consist of Five (05) questions is to understand about the individual’s knowledge for
using of primary protective devices and his feeling about using these safety devices and
employers strictness wearing safety devices during working hours.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Industry A
(Noise 89.6
dB(A))
Industry B
(Noise 97.6
dB(A))
Industry C
(Noise 88.0
dB(A))
Industry D
(Noise 100.8
dB(A))
Industry E (Nosie
86.6 dB(A))
Noise exposure and workers health injuries
Ear allergies(%) Head injuries(%) Fatigues(%)
Trauma disease(%) Tinnitus(%) High blood pressure(%)
70
35 35
55
85 75
20
95
30
90 90 90 90 80
90 75
35
70 55
35
75
100 90 80 80 90 90
25
75 75
30
0
75 65 70
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Working in
standing
position (%)
Operating
Machine (%)
Feel
Unconfortable
(%)
Headache
Problem (%)
Speech
Interference
(%)
Stress at work
place (%)
Information
about awarness
of noise
exposure (%)
Analyzing working position and general awareness.
A B C D E
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Figure 7: using primary protective equipment’s
3.3.3 Awareness of worker’s health
This part of the questionnaire comprise six (06) questions. These questions is to understand
and analyze the worker’s health and study the injuries level due to noise exposure.
Figure 8: Awareness of workers health.
20
85
20
20
10
15
15
10
75
90
80
80
10
0
15
20
85
85
85
85
K NO W LW D GE
A BO U T E AR
P RO T EC T IV E
D EV I CE ( %)
I NC H AR G E FO RC E
T O U SE E AR
P RO T EC T IV E
D EV I CE ( %)
U SE E A R
P RO T EC T IV E
D EV I CE D UR I NG
D UT I ES ( %)
T RA I NI N G ( O HS )
( %)
US ING P RIMARY P ROT ECT IVE
EQU IPMEN TS
A B C D E
0 0
35
0
30 20
15
35
90
15
60
15
20
0
25
0
15
30
20 10
60
25
90
35
0 0
15
0
20 25
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Dou you have
Ear allergies
(%)
Dou you have
Head injuries
(%)
Have you
feelings
fatigues
during
working hours
(%)
Have you
Trauma
disease (%)
Have you
tinnitus (%)
Have you high
blood
pressure (%)
Awareness of workers health
A B C D E
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4.0 Discussion
Fig. 1 and Table 1 showed the different sound level in selected industries situated in Karachi
city which lies between 86.6 dB (A) to 100.8 dB (A) with mean value of 92.5 dB (A), which
can be considered as a high value according to Pakistan standard 85dB (A) and OSHA
permissible limit 90dB (A). Working hours are similar to each selected plants (8hrs per day).
Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and pulse rate before exposure are close for the many
individuals (sample), and the strength of the outcome is good; Fig. 2, 3 and 4 show that the
measured values are increased after noise exposure which indicates that the change of values
is depending on the noise exposure level. From Table: 2 we can see the systolic blood
pressure increased by 7.8 mmHg, while the diastolic blood pressure increased by 8.0 mmHg
and the pulse rate increased by the value of 12.8 beats/minute.
This research is similar and comparable with other studies, which give it high credibility, for
example, Talbott et al., 1999, showed the range of noise exposure 83 dB (A) to 89 dB (A),
here the mean increase value of systolic blood pressure is 2.5 mmHg and that of diastolic
blood pressure 2.5 mmHg. Alsheikh & Dana, 2012, found significant increase in both
diastolic and systolic blood pressure in response of noise pollution. According to Kamil &
Faris, 2017, showed that for noise level difference between 76.5 dB (A) to 98 dB (A), there is
a mean increased of systolic blood pressure is 6.07 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure is 2.63
mmHg. Katya et al., 2017, estimated the prevalence of hearing loss, occupational noise and
using of hearing protection devices, his finding consistent with other industrialized countries,
underscoring the need for ongoing awareness of noise pollution.
The questionnaire was examined according to the following classification. Short description
about the workers, analyzing the working position and general awareness, using of primary
protective equipment, awareness of workers health.
a. Short description about the workers
Purpose of this part is to understand the basic and formal knowledge about all the workers,
thus candidates with same age, gender, education, experience level group and similar working
hours were chosen in all selected industries.
b. Analyzing working position and general awareness
Industry-A, according to the Fig. 6, there are 70% employees working in a standing position
and 35% workers operating the machine at least 8hrs per day. In general, the mean operating
time of the machine is 7hrs each day. 35% workers feel uncomfortable and 55% workers
complain headache issue during working hours. 75% workers feel stressful and 85% workers
complain about speech interference, in Industry-A maximum number of workers do not aware
about the effect of noise exposure.
Industry-B, (fertilizer plant) 95% workers are working in standing position. 30% workers are
working with a machine, 90% workers feel uncomfortable, headache and speech interference
during working hours. In this agro-based unit, 80% workers know about hazards effect of
high noise exposure.
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Industry-C, 90% workers are working in a standing position and 75% workers are operating
machine while during working hours 35%, 70%, and 55% workers feel uncomfortable,
headache and speech interference respectively. 35% workers feel stress with noise 75%
workers are aware of the hazards effect of high noise level.
Industry-D, which is home-based (khadi) plant, where 100% workers are working in standing
position, 90% plant workers are operating the machine, 80% workers feel uncomfortable and
headache, 90% have stress while working in a noisy area, while only 25% workers have
knowledge about noise hazards effect.
Industry-E is a Lather based Tannery unit, where 75% workers are operating a machine in
standing position, 30% workers feel uncomfortable, 75% to 65% workers feel speech
interference and stress in working hours, respectively. 70% workers have knowledge about
hazards effect of noise.
c. Using primary protective equipment
According to the Fig. 7 Industry-A, only o4 (20%) persons know about the benefits of
primary protective equipment here 20% workers are those who have safety training 30% &
35% are those who feel stuffy and headache while using PPE's.
Industry-B, agro-based fertilizer unit here 16 (80%) 0f 20 know about the hazards effect of
noise but their managers are immature to understand the benefits of PPE's 85% workers
complain that their bosses do not give proper protective device, here only 10% are who have
self-training about HSE.
Industry-C, this is stone cutting marble and mosaic unit here 75% have information about
PPE’s, 90% workers say that their managers force them to use PPE's during working hours,
16(80%) workers are self-motivated for using safety devices these 16 of 20 workers have
certified occupational health and safety training, only (20%) 04 0f 20 feel stuffy and criticize
for wearing safety devices.
Industry-D, Loam (Khaddi) unit here only 10% have information about protective devices,
here many plants workers want to wear noise protective devices and their bosses unable to do.
90% workers complain that their employer does not give safety devices. 20% have safety
training these 04 of 20 workers are those who have the interest to learn safety procedure and
noise control measures.
Industry-E, this is ISO certified Tannery so here 85% knows about the benefits of ear
protective devices and they also agree that their managers force them to take safety measures
during working hours, these 17(85%) 0f 20 workers have certified safety training.
d. Awareness of workers health
Fig. 1, 5 & 8 express the worker’s health and noise level at their work site. Industry-A
(Textile unit) in this Unit mean noise value is 89.6 dB (A), workers do not complain of any
ear allergies, head injuries and trauma disease many workers complain that their plant
managers do not provide noise safety devices. Safety literacy level is also low according to
the filled questionnaire and personal interview it is noted that 35% samples feel fatigue, due
International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences
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to high noise exposure 30% have tinnitus and 4(20%) have high blood pressure, 4 persons are
those who work in power plant area where mean noise value is 97.5dB(A) in 8hours duration.
Industry-B (Agro-based) this is a liquid fertilizer manufacturing unit mean noise value is 97.6
dB (A), only 10% workers have safety training 90% workers are those who have headache
problem during working hours, in this unit here managers are not serious regarding high noise
pollution and its impact on their workers, in this industry 15% have ear allergies, 35% have
head injuries, 90% feeling fatigue in working duration, 15% have high blood pressure and
heart disease. Due to noise exposure, 60% workers have tinnitus problem. Industry-C (Marble
& Mosaic) here mean noise level is 88.0 dB (A), many people have a knowledge about noise
and safety measures, employer of this unit is keen to obey defined health and safety
procedures, only 20% who feel stuffy while using PPE's, only 20%, 15% have ear allergies
and tinnitus these are those who work in stone cutting area where noise is 88.0 dB (A), there
is no one who complains trauma disease. Industry-D (Loam Unit, Khaddi), mean noise value
is 100.8 dB (A) in this unit information about occupational noise is low only 20% have safety
training this 20 % are those who have self-motivated and education lover, due to high noise
exposure 20% workers have ear allergies, 10% have head injuries, 60% people feel fatigue
during working hours, 20% have trauma disease this 20 % are those who work with machine
in standing position. 90% have tinnitus who work in the production area, 35% have blood
pressure. Industry-E (Lather Industry) here mean noise value is 86.6 dB (A) this is a certified
unit here maximum people have a training about occupational safety and health, managers are
strongly interested to implement health and safety procedure in their working premises, 85%
workers use safety devices there is no any complaint regarding ear allergies, head injuries and
trauma disease, only 15% have feeling fatigue during working hours these 15% are those who
do not use safety devices. 20% complain about tinnitus these are those who work in
compressor room due to high noise at generator room 25% workers feel high blood pressure.
5.0 Conclusion and recommendation
Noise is not a new hazard, Health and Safety are mandatory to each other. With the reference
to studied plants, Industries needs to pay attention as hearing loss is their main concern. In all
studied plants, noise pollution is very extensive. The range of occupational noise exposure is
from 86.6 dB (A) to 100.8 dB (A). Our Home-based industries, occupational noise exposure
is a very obvious hazard, many Units are not mechanized. It is noted that high level of noise
pollution can affect the human ear and lead to the increase of blood pressure, which can cause
heart disease.
Furthermore, because of the economic and political condition, most of the machines are not
working or even running at half capacity, so it is expected that the noise ratio would exceed
the measured value.
One of the biggest problems is that especially in home-based units there is no awareness
about noise pollution among workers, managers and plant owners, even they have not any
safety procedures and any devices to prevent from the hazards noise.
Another high issue being noticed during surveying is that the many industries do not obey and
they neglected Health and Safety Laws.
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While sum up all the discussion, present situation of noise pollution in the industries is worst.
It is necessary to protect the plant workers and make some necessary action to control this
situation.
For the prevention and control of the noise hazards, controlling measures must be
implemented in all the factories urgently.
Most of the plant workers have problem with high noise pollution but the main thing is that
they even do not have any knowledge of the harmfulness of Industrial Noise Pollution, thus it
is recommended that it is necessary to mitigate this problem through publishing helpful
material in print media and awareness programs in TV channels to make people aware the
effects of Industrial Occupational Noise pollution and their corrective measures.
In Pakistan, there is no authentic legislation to cope with industrial noise pollution at the
National level. Therefore, "Occupational Noise Pollution Control Act" should passed by
Government for the betterment of Pakistani Workers.
The government takes a stand for such Un-registered Industries, as they should register their
selves with local administration, adopt and implement Health and Safety rules.
Home-based Industries are facing the financial problem. In this aspect, we suggest that the
governmental organizations support and provide an interest-free loan for small and home-
based industries. So, that they would take care of health and safety of their workers.
Industries should place insulating enclosure on high noisy areas to reduce the hazards of
noise. Those machines with the problem of wear and tear should go for the proper
maintenance and noise problem could be adjusted by reducing the speed of rotating and
moving parts of a machine.
It is recommended that mainly workers are not provided Primary Protective Equipment by
management. So, it’s recommended to take a step to mitigate noise effect by providing
Primary Protective Equipment in all sort of Industries.
Acknowledgement
I would like to extend my thanks to my parents and my wife for always believing in me, for their
continuous love and their support in my decisions. Special thanks to plant managers, owners and to the
workers of industrial plants for their help and patience.
Declaration
Author(s) declare that all works are original and this manuscript has not been published in any other
journals.
International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences
e-ISSN : 2289-7577. Vol. 5:No. 2
March/April 2018
Nadir Buksh, Yasmeen Nargis, Chen Yun, Dongsheng He, Muhammad Ghufran.
192
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Open Access: e-Journal
Authors contribution
Author 1: Idea conceptualizing, literature review, drafting the final manuscript, publication.
Author 2, Author 3, Author 4: Advice, guidance and technical assistance during manuscript
preparation.
Author 5: Assistance during surveying and data collection.
Abbreviations
PPE’s: Primary Protective Equipment’s
dB: Decibel (unit of sound)
dB (A): Decibel (unit of sound) by the A-weighted
mmHg: Millimeters of Mercury (unit of blood pressure measurement)
hrs: Hours
HSE: Health Safety and Environment
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International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences
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