Exposure to Noise Induced at Work and Prevention Practice Among Workers of Stone Mining Company, An Giang, 2018

Abstract

Noise is one of the most common occupational hazards in Vietnam, causing occupational hearing impairement. Stone mining is among the high-risk working environment. This study aims to describe noise exposure and prevention practice among workers of stone mining in An Giang province. A cross-sectional study using a quantitative method was conducted in 2018. 176 noise samples were collected, and 215 workers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Results show that workers at grinding section exposed with the high level of noise (compared to national standards) and they did not practice adequately to protect themselves from the hazard. Workers aged above 39 years old and had more than 10-year working experience had better prevention practice than the other groups. The differences were statistically significant. It is concluded that workers were exposed to the high level of noise at work, their practice regarding hearing impairement prevention was not adequate, and age, years of working were associated factors with prevention practice among workers.