Noise Pollution Levels and Their Impact on Workers in Wood Furniture Factories
Author: Md. Alamgir Hasan*, Md Abul Kalam Azad, Md. Kamruzzaman, Md. Moniruzzaman
PhD fellow, Institute of Environmental Science, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, & Assistant Professor, Geography, OSD, DSHE, Bangladesh.
Published Date: 2024-09-25
Keywords: Noise pollution, noise levels, dBA, wood furniture workers, noise effects.
Abstract:
The machines operated in wood furniture factories generate a high level of noise. Therefore, wood furniture workers are exposed to machine-derived noise. The noise situation and the effects of noise are worthy of attention. This study was conducted in Rajshahi City to measure the noise levels in the selected wood furniture factories and evaluate the impact of noise on workers. A digital sound level meter was used to measure the noise level, and a total of 102 furniture workers were surveyed about their perceptions of noise effects. The findings show that 70% of noise levels exceeded the 85 dBA occupational standards, and the maximum noise level was recorded at 107.6 dBA. In terms of noise effects on conversation during work time, 52% of respondents treated the workplace as moderately noisy; whereas 55.9% experienced moderate communication interference; 32.4% had moderate disturbance in recreation activities during work. 70% workers had to raise voice sometime to overcome noise; most of them (76.5%) were not aware of the adverse effects of noise. One-third (34.3%) of the workers had headaches, one-six (16.6%) had digestion problems, and a mentionable amount (13.7%) had asthma symptoms. Workers hardly wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and hearing aids while working in wood furniture factories in Rajshahi City.
