Developing a system of noise hazard assessment for construction workers

Abstract

Many research studies attempt to assess the noise hazards at construction worker level. Workers of different positions may receive different equivalent noise levels under the same construction activity due to the distance and working time. However, the use of commercial noise dosimeters for noise hazard assessment is expensive. In addition, this method may not be the practical for assessing and reminding workers about the health hazard. Therefore, this research aims to propose an alternative system for assessing noise hazard for multiple construction workers. This research methodology is classified as the experimental research approach. A piling work is used as a case study for system design and experiment. The research starts with development of the conceptual framework of noise hazard assessment and development of a system to evaluate equivalent noise level, dose of noise and status of noise hazard from electronic sound signal. Next, this system was tested in acoustic laboratory and in construction site for reliability and validity. In addition, questionnaire was also used to explore workers’ perception and awareness of noise hazard in construction site. Data was analyzed based on 24 samples from the noise dosimeter, 24 samples from questionnaires and 72 samples resulting from the proposed system. It is found that results of the proposed system present the same trend and high correlation with those of standard equipment. Significantly, the proposed system is reliable and accurate. Findings also show that nearly 40% of sample workers do not perceive noise hazard as their problem but they are aware of noise affecting them in a long term period.