P-295 Perception of occupational exposure of noise and its impacts on fish harvesters’ health in Newfoundland and Labrador: A mixed-method study

Yadav, Om Prakash; Sarkar, Atanu; Gadag, Veeresh; Shan, Desai

doi:10.1136/oem-2021-epi.266

Cited by 1 publication

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“…Human mistake caused by a lack of performance, exhaustion, stress, or poor training is the primary cause of workplace accidents. According to this strategy, personal safety training and education to enhance information and awareness are the best strategies to reduce workplace risk ( 34 ). The suggested concept of health capital urges policymakers to recognize the complexities of various health-related resources and assets that individuals hold and deploy to create individual health.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Each fishery has its own set of machinery since different fishing techniques and gear are used to catch different species ( 40 ). According to the literature, the greatest noise levels recorded in engine rooms ranged from 56 to 114 dB ( 5 , 10 , 11 , 14 , 34 , 41 ). A large retrospective research was recently carried out among French commercial seafarers to emphasize hearing impairment.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Tinnitus and NIHL are the most common hearing health issues among fish harvesters ( 34 , 44 – 47 ). One of the most common neurological symptoms, tinnitus, has been recognized as an early predictor of NIHL and has a prevalence ranging from 19 to 67% ( 34 ). Long-term exposure to dangerous noise levels is a known risk factor for NIHL ( 6 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Literature suggests that NIHL is common among fish harvesters and is associated with job duration ( 10 , 44 , 48 ). The prevalence of NIHL was reported 6–80% among fish harvesters globally ( 34 ). It is estimated that an exposure to 85 dB(A) noise for 24 h will equal an exposure to 90 dB for 8 h (A).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Occupational noise exposure at sea: A socio-legal study on fish harvesters’ perceptions in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Yadav

Shan

Sarkar

et al. 2023

Front. Public Health

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IntroductionNoise is a significant health hazard for fish harvesters. Chronic exposure to hazardous noise levels of 85 dB (A) for an 8-h work shift can have adverse health impacts, including both auditory and non-auditory health problems such as noise-induced hearing loss, stress, hypertension, sleeping disorders, and impaired cognitive performance.MethodsA review of legislation and policies governing workplace noise exposure, as well as qualitative, semi-structured interviews, were conducted to assess how fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) manage onboard occupational noise exposure and perceive noise-induced health problems, as well as the barriers and challenges associated with preventing and controlling noise exposure.ResultsThe legal review shows no compulsory noise preventive measure at the fishing vessel design stage in Canada. Limited implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations to control and prevent onboard noise by employers in Newfoundland and Labrador. Fishers reported that their workplace is noisy. Over time, fish harvesters adapted to the environment and learned to tolerate loud noise, displaying fatalistic behavior. Fish harvesters reported avoiding using hearing protection onboard due to navigation safety concerns. Fishers reported hearing loss as well as other non-auditory health problems. Inadequate noise control measures adopted by employers, a limited supply of hearing protection onboard, and a lack of regular hearing testing, training, and education were identified as the main barriers to preventing and controlling noise exposure.ConclusionProper implementation of NL OHS regulations and the development of hearing conservation initiatives by employers are necessary. All stakeholders, including the federal and provincial governments, WorkplaceNL, and not-for-profit fishing organizations in the province, are strongly recommended to initiate training and education campaigns to help fish harvesters understand noise exposure and adopt preventive measures.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%