Farmers’ work-day noise exposure
Date
2015Author
Williams, Warwick
Brumby, Susan
Calvano, Adrian
Hatherell, Tracey
Mason, Heidi
Mercer-Grant, Cate
Hogan, Anthony
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Objective: This study aims to understand the extent of
farmers’ exposure to hazardous noise, and trial and test
the ability of an on-farm noise audit report to improve
awareness and preventative action towards farm based
noise hazards.
Design: Visits were made to working farms where noise
and dosimetry measurements undertaken. During
return visits, the noise measurements were explained in
a brief report. A follow-up questionnaire was implemented
gathering feedback on the use or otherwise of
the report.
Setting: Working farms in Western Victoria and SE
Queensland including dairy, beef, wool, prime lamb and
cropping.
Participants: Participants were 14 female and 37 male
farm workers.
Interventions: Noise exposure assessment of daily
activities through dosimetry; measurements of noisy
tasks and machinery; supply and interpretation of a
noise audit report.
Main outcome measures: Participants were supplied
with a ‘noise report’ of their workplace together with an
explanation of the report’s meaning to farm workers.
Results: Men and women have similar at risk exposures.
The average noise exposure was 1.09 Pa2h
(LAeq,8h = 85.3 dB). This implies 163 000 Australian
agricultural workers are at risk from hazardous noise.
On-farm noise audit reports were a relevant and valuable
feedback to farmers in relation to their potential
noise hazards.