A Questionnaire-Based Algorithm for Assessing Occupational Noise Exposure of Construction Workers
Date
2017Author
Lewkowski, Kate
McCausland, Kahlia
Heyworth, Jane S.
Li, Ian W.
Williams, Warwick
Fritschi, Lin
Metadata
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Abstract
Objectives Occupational noise exposure is a major cause of hearing loss worldwide. In order to inform preventative strategies, we need to further understand at a population level which workers are most at risk.
Methods We have developed a new questionnaire-based algorithm that evaluates an individual worker’s noise exposure. The questionnaire and supporting algorithms are embedded into the existing software platform, OccIDEAS. Based upon the tasks performed by a worker during their most recent working shift and using a library of task-based noise exposure levels, OccIDEAS estimates whether a worker has exceeded the full shift workplace noise exposure limit (LAeq,8h ≥85 dB). We evaluated the validity of the system in a sample of one hundred construction workers. Each worker wore a dosimeter for a full working shift and was then interviewed using the OccIDEAS software.
Results The area under the under the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve was 0.81 [95% CI 0.72 - 0.90] indicating that the ability of OccIDEAS to identify construction workers with a LAeq,8h ≥ 85 dBA was excellent.
Conclusion This validated noise questionnaire may be useful in epidemiological studies and for workplace health and safety applications.