Effect of noise emitted by forestry equipment on workers' hearing capacity

Fonseca, Antônio Ângelo Martins da; Aghazadeh, Fereydoun; Hoop, Cornelis de; Ikuma, Laura H.; Al-Qaisi, Saif

doi:10.1016/j.ergon.2014.05.001

Cited by 38 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Apart from causing occupational disorders (occupational deafness), it may also be the cause of accidents. In addition, noise causes mental function disorders -hinders thinking processes, weakens concentration, and finally favours imprecise performance of activities [6,7,8,9].…”

Section: Hazards In the Public Sector Of Forestrymentioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational hazards in opinions of forestry employees in Poland

Pecyna¹,

Buczaj²,

Lachowski³

et al. 2019

Ann Agric Environ Med.

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Introduction. Work in forestry has been and continues to be considered a very difficult and risky occupation, with constant exposure to certain factors which create risk for employees' health or even life. The objective of the study is recognition of the opinions of forestry workers concerning health risk, and to evaluate which of their selected demographic characteristics are connected with opinions concerning hazards at the workplace. Materials and method. An author-constructed survey was conducted among 135 forestry employees, containing items concerning primarily hazards occurring at workplaces in forestry. Forestry employees' opinions pertaining to occupational hazards were analyzed from the aspect of independent variables, such as workplace, period of employment, age and education. The significance of the differences in the subgroups distinguished according to the above-mentioned variables, were assessed using the chi-square test. Results. Forestry employees most often indicated risk related with cold (83.7%) and hot (77%) microclimate. A high percentage of respondents (74.1%) were aware of the presence of biological hazards and risk caused by the possibility of contact with wild animals (55.6%) at their workplace. In addition, a considerable part of workers reported that the source of risk at their workplace is noise (34.1%), especially dangerous machinery (26.7%), dust (18.5%), chemical substances (15.6%), and forced body position at work (14.1%). Conclusions. Based on the results of the study concerning work safety and occupational hygiene among forestry employees, it was found that they are aware of hazards which may occur at their workplaces. The greatest differences in the perception of hazards were observed according to the type of workplace and period of employment.

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Section: Hazards In the Public Sector Of Forestrymentioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational hazards in opinions of forestry employees in Poland

Pecyna¹,

Buczaj²,

Lachowski³

et al. 2019

Ann Agric Environ Med.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by short exposures to extremely high sound levels or by repeated exposures to moderate levels. The main effect of high-intensity sound is manifested in the form of a temporary or permanent loss of sensitivity and acuity [35][36][37].In recent years, the major brands that produce tools for forestry and green maintenance have started to develop tools powered by electricity and Lithium-Ion batteries in order to protect the environment and the operator's health. Battery-powered chainsaws are able to decrease the number of specific risks, which makes them ideal for use in pruning operations, urban green maintenance, and arboriculture, where occupational hazards are high and it is important to minimize them [38][39][40][41][42][43].…”

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confidence: 99%

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confidence: 99%

Determining Noise and Vibration Exposure in Conifer Cross-Cutting Operations by Using Li-Ion Batteries and Electric Chainsaws

Neri

Laschi

Foderi

et al. 2018

Forests

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In many activities, chainsaw users are exposed to the risk of injuries and several other hazard factors that may cause health problems. In fact, environmental and working conditions when using chainsaws result in workers’ exposure to hazards such as noise, vibration, exhaust gases, and wood dust. Repeated or continuous exposure to these unfavourable conditions can lead to occupational diseases that become apparent after a certain period of time has elapsed. Since the use of electric tools is increasing in forestry, the present research aims to evaluate the noise and vibration exposure caused by four models of electric chainsaws (Stihl MSA160T, Stihl MSA200C Li-Ion battery powered and Stihl MSE180C, Stihl MSE220C wired) during cross-cutting. Values measured on the Stihl MSA160T chainsaw (Li-Ion battery) showed similar vibration levels on both right and left handles (0.9–1.0 m s−2, respectively) and so did the other battery-powered chainsaw, the Stihl MSA200C (2.2–2.3 m s−2 for right and left handles, respectively). Results showed a range of noise included between 81 and 90 dB(A) for the analysed chainsaws. In conclusion, the vibrations and noise were lower for the battery chainsaws than the wired ones, but, in general, all the values were lower than those measured in previous studies of endothermic chainsaws.

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“…Almost 600 million workers around the world are routinely exposed to noise levels exceeding 85 dB (7)(8)(9). When the noise intensity level goes beyond permissive noise level, it might leave adverse effects on different functions of the body such as hearing, blood circulation, cardiovascular, nervous system and work efficiency (10)(11)(12)(13). It has been reported that more than 200 million people worldwide are subject to the effects of noise (14).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%