Prevalence and Risk Factors of Noise Induced Hearing Loss and other Work-Related Health Problems among Stone Saw Workers in West Bank-Palestine
/ 0
- Details
- Category: Vol. 83, September 2015
- Hits: 856
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Noise Induced Hearing Loss and other Work-Related Health Problems among Stone Saw Workers in West Bank-Palestine, HATIM M. JABER, MONA S. MOHAMED, AMAL M. EL-SAFTY, OMAIMA K. EL-SALAMONI and HANAN M. IBRAHIM
Abstract
Introduction: Stone quarrying have been known as highly hazardous work, whereby workers are affected by many debilitating occupational health hazards and diseases.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of work related health problems and to the risk factors of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) among Palestinian stone cutting workers.
Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study including 259 male workers, who were available at all stone-saw workshops (n=42 workshop) in northern part of West Bank, Palestine, (April-June 2012). They were interviewed using structured questionnaire including socio-demographic data and work conditions. Examination of the workers by occupational audiometry and clinically for musculoskeletal and skin diseases was performed. An environmental measure-ment such as noise level meter was done.
Results: All participants were males, the mean age was 36.85±11.41 years and mean duration of service is 13±9.1 years, 45.2% of the workers had NIHL, 35.9% had history of work injuries, 26.6% had musculoskeletal problems and 11.6% had skin lesions. Significant associations (p<0.05) were identified by multivariate analysis between NIHL and the work type, noise, dust, duration of work, educational level, periodic health appraisal, using personal protective equipment, smoking and residence. Noise level was found to be between 93-123 dB.
Conclusion: Stone-saw workers are at risk of NIHL, dermatoses and musculoskeletal disorders as well as injuries. Certain factors like non usage of personal protective equipment increase the risk for developing these health effects. It is recommended to screen for hearing loss for people working in stone cutting workshops. Prevention programs and legisla-tion which already exist should be implemented and enforced.