Reinvigorating engineered noise controls: a systems approach

Area of Science:

• Occupational health and safety
• Systems engineering
• Environmental health

Background:

• Hearing loss is a significant global health issue, with noise exposure being a primary contributor.
• Workplace noise presents unique challenges for employers responsible for worker safety and health.
• Traditional control methods (engineering, administrative, PPE) have limitations in fully mitigating hearing loss risks and cost-effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a systems engineering approach to visualize factors influencing occupational hearing health.
• To create a cost model for evaluating noise control options in the workplace.
• To aid decision-makers in understanding the holistic costs and benefits of hearing health interventions.

Main Methods:

• Development of a systems engineering causal loop diagram (CLD) to map interrelationships of factors affecting hearing health.
• Modeling the CLD using VenSim software, informed by expertise in hearing health and exposure science.
• Application of a case study to validate the model and assess cost-effectiveness of noise control strategies.

Main Results:

• The causal loop diagram and cost model provided a clear visualization of factors influencing hearing health.
• Engineered noise control in the case study demonstrated a payback period of 4.3 years.
• The model can inform decision-makers about the financial implications of noise control.

Conclusions:

• Systems thinking, utilizing CLDs and cost models, can enhance organizational managers' ability to allocate resources for occupational hearing health risk control.
• This approach supports better hearing health outcomes for workers by clarifying the costs associated with noise control.
• The study highlights the practical application of systems engineering in addressing occupational health challenges.