Measurement of Noise in Agricultural Farms to Reduce Risk for Hearing Impairment

Measurement of Noise in Agricultural Farms to Reduce Risk for Hearing Impairment Q. Geng, N. Adolfsson & K. Öberg

Noise is an unwanted sound that can cause hearing impairment and increase risk of accidents. Background • Hearing loss is an irreversible disease, which is accounting for ~ 1/3 of all work-related diseases in Europe. • In Sweden, agricultural workers have the highest amount (31.8%) of occupational hearing impairment.

Background There are lots of noisy sources in agricultural workplaces.

Objectives • to evaluate the daily dose of hazardous noise, related to the health risks for hearing impairment, through measurement of noise exposure; • to find a correlation between the results with the farmers’ daily work activities.

Measurements of noise dose Methods 16 farmers (15 males), aged 18-64, participated in the study Noise dose was measured with each farmer over one working day by using a dosimeter. Working time for each action was recorded during the dose measuring. The measurement was carried out twice for each participator in different seasons, spring/summer and autumn. Total 32 measurements were performed.

Measurements of noise sources Methods • Measurements were carried out in the 16 farms with pig or dairy production (8 of each). • All noise sources were investigated in terms of its’ sound level (A-weighted). • Each sound level was measured 1 metre from the source and at ear-height by using a sound level meter (2238 Mediator)

Results 100% is a limit of hazardously noise exposure Big variation among the doses The noise dose measured from the farmers who worked at pig farms

Results 100% is a limit of hazardously noise exposure The noise dose measured from the farmers who worked at dairy farms

Results The noise level versus working time over a day while a farmer worked at a pig farm

Results The noise level versus working time over a day while a farmer worked at a dairy farm

Results -Higher sound level of noise sources

Discussion There is a risk for hearing loss if a person is exposed to a single noise source over a workday without hearing protectors, or an exposure to a high noise level after few minutes, e.g., working with grinding machine in 101 dB(A) for 4 minutes, working in 104 dB(A) with silage blower or grain roller for 2 minutes. Awareness of the risks for hearing impairment and measures for reducing noise are both important for the farmers. All the farmers should be informed and trained on WHAT kind of the risks exists when he/she is exposed to noise and HOW the risks for the hearing impairment could be reduced.

Discussion It is not only the intensity that determines whether noise is hazardous, but duration of the exposure is also important. A reduction of the noise exposure time should be made when planning the working schedule. A noise analysis should be considered for utilizingnew techniques in agricultural production. Noisy machines should be placed (or closed) in areas where people are not usually present. A hearing protector should be used when working under noise environments and when the noise level is over 80 dB(A).

Conclusions • Noise sources, which caused the farmers exposed to the high noise dose that can result in the hearing impairment, should be reduced. • Choice of new machines, built-in of new apparatus and working schedule should always pay attention to both the reduction of the noise and the exposed time. • Use of a hearing protector when working under high noise environments. • Awareness of the risks for hearing impairment and measures to reduce noise are important for the farmers.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION The study was financed by the Swedish Farmers’ Foundation for Agricultural Research

Measurement of Noise in Agricultural Farms to Reduce Risk for Hearing Impairment