Occupational Hygiene Analysis in Marble Quarries: Noise Measurement and Risk Assessment Based on a Task-Based Strategy

This study aimed to evaluate workplace noise exposure in marble quarries using a task-based measurement strategy. In accordance with the TS EN ISO 9612:2009 standard, personal daily equivalent levels (LEX,8h) and C-weighted peak levels (LCpeak) were measured for 12 operators working in different cutting and drilling tasks at three quarries. LEX,8h values ranged from 80.0 to 96.3 dB(A), while LCpeak values ranged from 114.6 to 135.7 dB(C). The highest exposures were found in drilling tasks (especially ROC drilling; O4: 96.3 dB(A)), while on the cutting side, critical levels were reached during block sawing and arm/rock cutting tasks (O9: 93.2 dB(A); O10: 89.5 dB(A); O11: 90.1 dB(A)). Using color-coded risk classification (thresholds of 80/85/87 dB(A) and 135/137/140 dB(C)), 5 of the 12 operators were classified as red, 1 as orange, and 6 as yellow. Based on this classification, an action plan was developed, recommending engineering noise controls, strengthening preventive maintenance on machines, and prioritizing periodic hearing protection programs among operators to prevent hearing damage. The findings show that the task-based approach is effective in quickly identifying dominant sources (especially drilling) and planning control priorities.