Individual Perception of Noise Exposure and Hearing Protection in Industry

Abstract

Existing approaches that explain the behavior of workers in noisy environments rarely include quantitative variables related to central factors such as noise exposure levels and workers' hearing status. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship among individual, contextual, and perceptual-cognitive factors and the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs). We studied 516 industrial workers exposed to noise levels greater than the Portuguese action level and developed a conceptual model for HPD use. The multivariate data analysis of the several variables considered revealed that individual risk perception and the outcome value for hearing preservation were the main direct predictors of the use of HPDs. Workers' opinions about the company's safety climate and their perception of noise exposure effects also play important roles as predictors. However, much of the effects of these factors are indirect (i.e., mediated by other variables). Furthermore, these results suggest that risk perception should be considered an essential issue in the design and implementation of any hearing conservation program, particularly in the development of training programs. Actual or potential applications of this research include the definition of more accurate strategies for promoting and motivating the use of HPDs.

Percepción del riesgo mediante sus atributos psicosociales en trabajadores de la industria metalmecánica en la ciudad de Bogotá, D.C (Colombia).

“…Lo anterior coincide con el estudio de Corrales et al (17), quienes encontraron que los trabajadores 12. García Y. Análisis y evaluación de la incidencia de la reconocían que el ruido podía dañar su audición; pero las conclusiones no coinciden con las de Arezes et al y otros autores (9,(18)(19)(20)(21)(22), quienes en su estudios encontraron que los trabajadores no consideraban como peligrosos los altos niveles de ruido, tampoco con el de Zamorano et al (23), quienes encontraron un bajo nivel de conocimiento en la prevención de los riesgos laborales.…”

Perceptions and Practices Regarding Occupational Hazards and Safety Measures Among Printing Workers

“…Programs targeting younger workers may be effective in increasing their perception of risk (Lombardi et al 2009). On the contrary, another study showed significant negative correlation between age and risk perception indicating higher risk perception among younger workers (Arezes and Miguel 2005a).…”

Ergonomic requirements for the operation of machines and technical equipment

“…The essence of applying such requirements in conjunction with the principles of ergonomics has been captured in Figure 1. Adherence to ergonomic requirements helps reduce work strenuousness, achieve comfort and boost workers' ability to operate machinery and equipment efficiently [16]. To ensure the safe operation of technical equipment, it is critical to comply with:…”