Redesign of Work Space in Order to Reduce Noise Health Effects

Noise represent an unwanted sound that endangers human health in multiple manners and in work setting causes reduction of productivity on one side, and increased waste on the other. Noise pollution occurs when the ear is exposed to the volume of sound that is disturbing, stressful or directly damaging hearing, but also acting on the organism as a whole.

The aim of the article is to examine the vulnerability of workers working on the "press" machine, and to carry out an analysis and examine the press operator workplace, then perform the noise spread measurement in the press operator work area and compare the current measurements with the permissible levels and analyze the time period of worker exposure, as well as presentation of the effects of noise on productivity and workers health. The aim of the article also includes the proposal for decrease of noise pollution.

A noise analysis at the workplace of workers working on a "press" machine was performed, which is exposed to a high impulse noise due to which the quality and quantity of production are reduced. For the purpose of calculating the noise level for one working day at the press operator site 1, 2 and 3, it is necessary to analyze the noise level in time. Operators spend most of their working hours at stations 1 and 3 where the measured noise level is L_m1 = 94.7 dB is taken, or at position 3, L_m3 = 97.2 dB. The measured noise level at these locations without the operation of the press is L_m1 = 80.1 dB, or at station 3 is L_m3 = 80.1 dB.

It was found that these operators working on the machine in question were exposed to a noise over the limit for more than three years. Their health problems that arise as a result of noise exposure are documented in their health charts. In order to achieve uninterrupted work at the press machine, during the eight hours shift, a noise correction is required to allow the equivalent sound level to fall within one day to the permissible 85 dB. In this regard, we consider the fact that we have known that the press produces a sound level of 110 dB, and that there is a reverberation (reflecting) sound. Given the technical characteristics of the plant, the reduction of the sound intensity of the source itself is not possible, so the suggestions of the technical solution will be based on reduced reflected sounds and to prevent the spread of direct sound to the operator.

Workers are exposed to permanent noise during a working day, which produces a number of consequences for the health of the worker, but also the employer and the community. The imperative of the employer is to reduce the number of rejects, increase profitability and to have a positive impact on the health of the individual.