31 A proposed database of task-based, area and personal noise exposure measurements suitable for risk assessment in non-mining Southern African workplaces

Introduction With the exception of the mining industry, minimal information is readily available regarding occupational noise exposure in Southern Africa. Subsequently, a job-exposure matrix (JEM) linking job activities with indices of exposure may assist health and safety managers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to make decisions regarding occupational noise exposure. However, currently no JEMs are available for Southern African workplaces and SMEs don’t necessarily have access to qualified occupational hygiene practitioners to quantify noise exposure. Methodology A review of literature related to occupational noise exposure in Southern African non-mining industries was conducted. Subsequently, a concept database combining noise exposure data with relevant effective control measures was created using published data together with noise exposure data from a South African fruit processing factory. Results Limited quantitative occupational noise exposure data was found for South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Tanzania, and included woodworking, grain processing and steel industries, amongst others. By using the published and newly gathered data a first version of a database was created which incorporates relevant general control measures that can be used to reduce exposure to noise. Conclusions Noise exposure data that links specific tasks with relevant effective control measures is needed for more work areas in a wider variety of workplaces in Southern Africa. This study created the first version of a database for occupational noise exposures and associated control measures that can be expanded on by other studies and used by SMEs and governmental institutions in the region to share information and best practices.