P-567 a New Way to Prioritize Approaches to Reduce Noise at Work

Abstract Introduction Noise at work is a significant problem, with 15% of the Australian working population exposed above the occupational limit (LAeq8h 85dB) on any single working day. However the approach to occupational noise control relies on workers themselves wearing correct hearing protection. The management of environmental noise control is a better approach as it relies on the reduction of noise at the source (e.g leaf blowers) or physical barriers such as those around highways. Methods We used data from a national survey of tools used and tasks performed during each participant’s last working shift. OccIDEAS, a workplace exposure application which uses a preprogrammed database to assign noise exposure levels to each noisy activity, was used to estimate each worker’s LAeq8h based on the noise level and the time doing that task. Results Powered tools and equipment were the most common noisy tools and were responsible for 59% of all noise exposure. Modelling demonstrated that a 10 dBA noise-level reduction of all powered tools and equipment would lead to a 26% (95% confidence interval: 23% - 30%) reduction of workers with an Laeq8h 85dB. This could represent over 300,000 Australian workers no longer exposed above the workplace limit and a reduction in the future burden of hearing loss, tinnitus, workplace injuries and other health effects. Discussion and conclusion Initiatives to reduce the noise emissions of specific powered tool groups are warranted.