Assessment of Occupational Noise Exposure among Groundskeepers in North Carolina Public Universities

Abstract

Groundskeepers may have increased risk to noise-induced hearing loss due to the performance of excessively noisy tasks. This study assessed the exposure of groundskeepers to noise in multiple universities and determined the association between noise exposure and variables (ie, university, month, tool used). Personal noise exposures were monitored during the work shift using noise dosimetry. A sound level meter was used to measure the maximum sound pressure levels from groundskeeping equipment. The mean Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) time-weighted average (TWA) noise exposures were 83.0 ± 9.6 and 88.0 ± 6.7 dBA, respectively. About 52% of the OSHA TWAs and 77% of the NIOSH TWAs exceeded 85 dBA. Riding mower use was associated with high TWA noise exposures and with having OSHA TWAs exceeding 85 and 90 dBA. The maximum sound pressure levels of equipment and tools measured ranged from 76 to 109 dBA, 82% of which were >85 dBA. These findings support that groundskeepers have excessive noise exposures, which may be effectively reduced through careful scheduling of the use of noisy equipment/tools.

Association between self-reported hearing impairment and diabetes: a Brazilian population-based study

“…Noise is the most common occupational exposure addressed in studies and is associated with hearing loss related to work. A survey of US universities gardeners concluded that these professionals have been exposed to excessive noise, exceeding the limits of 85 dB, which can be effectively reduced through careful programming encouraging the use of personal protective equipment [37]. Between Taiwanese workers the prevalence of hearing loss was higher in the group exposed to noise and toluene compared to the reference group [38].…”

Lessons learned from Ohio workers' compensation claims to mitigate hazards in the landscaping services industry

“…Relatively few studies have focused on hazards in the landscaping services industry. A survey of the peer-reviewed literature turned up three articles on noise, heat stress, and UV exposures to university groundskeepers in North Carolina; [12][13][14] four articles on injuries and fatalities among landscapers and arborists; [15][16][17][18] one study of fatalities associated with the use of wood chippers, mostly for workers in the landscaping services industry; 19 a study of injuries and illnesses in arborists and gardeners in northeastern Italy; 20 and six surveys or observations of safety knowledge and behaviors among landscapers, groundskeepers, and arborists. [21][22][23][24][25][26] Several studies from related industries and nonoccupational settings were also found.…”

Design Conformity of Indonesian-Made Mini Rice Combine Harvester and Anthropometry of Javanese Farmers

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