Document Detail


Potential barriers to engineered noise control in food and beverage manufacturing in British Columbia, Canada: A qualitative study.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22264062     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Abstract Objective: Noise is probably the most ubiquitous of occupational hazards. While many jurisdictions require hearing conservation programs (HCP), the most effective intervention-engineered noise controls (ENC)-is rarely implemented. We used a qualitative study design to investigate barriers to the implementation of ENC. Design & study sample: Fifty-five individuals at eight food and beverage manufacturers participated. In-depth interviews were conducted and analysed using grounded theory techniques. HCP audits provided contextual information. Results: None of the companies had fully implemented HCP as required by regulation. Many factors emerged as possible barriers to the implementation of engineered noise control, including: poor knowledge of relevant regulations, noise reduction options and the health impacts of noise; weak technical skills and experience; low ranking of noise as a hazard by stakeholders; issues around job insecurity, weak language skills; lack of 'quiet' machine options and information from equipment manufacturers; poor employer-regulator relationships; barriers to employee-employer reporting; informal valuation of ENC costs; and feasibility issues. Conclusions: Potential barriers to the implementation of ENC were identified, and classified at three levels at which they operated. Many barriers could be addressed by a more rigorous application of existing HCP regulation and improvements in education, technical support, and regulatory enforcement.
Authors:
Hugh W Davies; Amber Louie; Musarrat Nahid; Jean Shoveller
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  International journal of audiology     Volume:  51 Suppl 1     ISSN:  1708-8186     ISO Abbreviation:  Int J Audiol     Publication Date:  2012 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2012-01-23     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101140017     Medline TA:  Int J Audiol     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  S43-50     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
* School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, British Columbia , Canada.
Export Citation:
APA/MLA Format     Download EndNote     Download BibTex
MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


Previous Document:  Typical noise exposure in daily life.
Next Document:  Multivariate DPOAE metrics for identifying changes in hearing: Perspectives from ototoxicity monitor...