P-311 Noise Risk Assessment and Hearing Health of Employees in a Water Production Company in Gabon

Introduction Exposure to noise in the workplace is likely to affect workers’ health. In Gabon, a study carried out at a water production plant aimed to measure noise levels and assess the hearing status of exposed employees. Material and methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over a one-month period at the plant. It focused on technical staff working in the plant, in contact with noisy machines. Noise levels were measured using a sound level meter, and each exposed worker underwent otoscopy and audiogram. The data were analyzed using EPI DATA3.1 software. Results A total of 54 agents, including two females, were included. The mean age was 42.3 + 4.2 years [24-59 years]. The average working day was 8 hours, and the average length of service was 13.23 years. Noise mapping in the machine rooms showed noise levels ranging from 85.7 to 107 dBA; the supervisory room had a noise level of 68 dB A. Personal protective equipment. was not worn systematically. Tinnitus (40.7%) and sleep disturbance (24.1%) were the most common symptoms. No otoscopy was pathological. The incidence of hearing loss was 11.1%. No occupational deafness had been identified. Discussion and Conclusion Noise levels in the technical rooms were high, requiring corrective action and insistence on the effective wearing of personal protective equipment.