243 Association between safety culture and wearing of hearing protection in the workplace

Abstract Introduction Loud noise exposure damages hearing health. There are several strategies to protect hearing health including safety policy, providing PPE, and building safety culture. The objective of the study was to assess whether safety culture can influence the wearing of hearing protection in a noisy working environment. Methodology The study was based on a questionnaire survey. This was a self-reported questionnaire with two parts: demographic data and factors affecting the wearing of hearing protection. Chi-square testing was used to compare variables and to determine statistical significance. The method can be found in McGuinn et al., 2021. Results The research was carried out in an Irish manufacturing and mining company with a response rate of 93%. 95% of the population agreed hearing protection protects hearing. 85% agreed wear hearing protection every time in loud noise areas. Workers aged 41 to 51 agreed hearing protection can prevent deafness caused by loud noise and protect hearing. 82% agreed colleagues wear hearing protection throughout the day in loud noise areas. 78% agreed posters warn workers to wear hearing protection. 66% agreed supervisors warn workers to wear hearing protection. The behaviour of workers exposed to loud noise did not statistically change over time of employment. Conclusions Employees showed high adherence to using PPE and agreed that it can help protect hearing health. Workplaces with a strong safety culture had reduced absenteeism, accidents, and ultimately reduced costs to the company. (Citation McGuinn et al., 2021. Factors influencing the use of hearing protection devices in Irish mine workers. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Safety, 5:2, 49-59)