Nonauditory Impacts of Industrial Noise Exposures: A Case Study From a Steel Manufacturing Industry

Excessive workplace noise poses a significant threat to occupational health, impacting both auditory and nonauditory health. This research examined the nonauditory effects of noise on steel workers.

A cross-sectional study of 80 industrial workers exposed to occupational noise was conducted with approval from the institutional ethics board and management. Nonauditory impacts such as fatigue, headache, vertigo, sleeplessness, and fainting were assessed. Noise levels were measured using an American National Standards Institute sound-level meter, and blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded before and after shift. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 20).

The study revealed that 57% of workers experienced noise exposure exceeding the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists threshold limit values, with an average exposure of 88.5 dBA (range: 80.2-96.9 dBA). High-noise exposure was linked to fatigue (54%) and chronic headaches (5%). Preshift and postshift HRs were 82 ± 9 and 92 ± 13 bpm, respectively, while systolic and diastolic BPs averaged 135 ± 17 and 90 ± 11 mmHg, respectively. Significant cross-shift HR differences were observed in the blooming mill (p = 0.002) and bar and roll mill (BRM) (p = 0.010). Noise levels were significantly associated with systolic (p = 0.002) and diastolic (p = 0.001) BP in the bar and roll mill.

High occupational noise exposure may have adverse physiological effects. Despite existing regulations, enforcement and compliance remain inadequate. Implementing engineering controls, hearing conservation programs, and stringent policies is crucial to protect workers in high-noise industries.