The Risk Rating System for Noise-induced Hearing Loss in Korean Manufacturing Sites Based on the 2009 Survey on Work Environments.
- Author:
Young Sun KIM
1
;
Youn Ho CHO
;
Oh Jun KWON
;
Seong Weon CHOI
;
Kyung Yong RHEE
Author Information
1. Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Koera Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Incheon, Korea. rheeky@hanmail.net
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Noise-induced hearing loss;
Sound pressure level;
Survey on work environments
- MeSH:
Compensation and Redress;
Hearing Disorders;
Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced;
Hypogonadism;
Korea;
Logistic Models;
Mitochondrial Diseases;
Models, Statistical;
Noise;
Ophthalmoplegia;
Porphyrins;
Workplace
- From:Safety and Health at Work
2011;2(4):336-347
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: In Korea, an average of 258 workers claim compensation for their noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) on an annual basis. Indeed, hearing disorder ranks first in the number of diagnoses made by occupational medical check-ups. Against this backdrop, this study analyzed the impact of 19 types of noise-generating machines and equipment on the sound pressure levels in workplaces and NIHL occurrence based on a 2009 national survey on work environments. METHODS: Through this analysis, a series of statistical models were built to determine posterior probabilities for each worksite with an aim to present risk ratings for noise levels at work. RESULTS: It was found that air compressors and grinding machines came in first and second, respectively in the number of installed noise-generating machines and equipment. However, there was no direct relationship between workplace noise and NIHL among workers since noise-control equipment and protective gear had been in place. By building a logistic regression model and neural network, statistical models were set to identify the influence of the noise-generating machines and equipment on workplace noise levels and NIHL occurrence. CONCLUSION: This study offered NIHL prevention measures which are fit for the worksites in each risk grade.
