A multi-component intervention to promote hearing protector use among construction workers.
Authors
Seixas-NS; Neitzel-R; Stover-B; Sheppard-L; Daniell-B; Edelson-J; Meischke-H
Source
Int J Audiol 2011 Mar; 50(Suppl 1):S46-S56
Abstract
Hearing protection devices (HPD) remain a primary method of prevention of noise-induced hearing loss despite their well-known limitations. A three-pronged intervention to increase HPD use was conducted among construction workers and included a baseline hearing loss prevention training, follow-up 'toolbox' (TB) reinforcement trainings, and use of a personal noise level indicator (NLI). A total of 176 subjects on eight sites completed three assessments. Prior to intervention, HPDs were used an average of 34.5% of the time and increased significantly, up about 12.1% after intervention and 7.5% two months after interventions were completed. The increase in HPD use was greatest among the group receiving both TB and NLI interventions; up about 25% from baseline, and this group was about two times more likely to use HPDs than the BL (baseline) training only group. This study demonstrates the mild impact of a well-constructed HPD use training and provides support for the additional use of a personal NLI to increase use of HPDs among construction workers. The most effective procedures for using such instruments require further exploration.
Keywords
Construction-industry; Construction-workers; Hearing-conservation; Hearing-protection; Noise-exposure; Noise-induced-hearing-loss; Noise-protection; Noise-sources; Personal-protective-equipment; Protective-equipment; Protective-measures; Safety-education; Safety-measures; Statistical-analysis; Training; Worker-motivation; Work-operations; Workplace-studies;
Author Keywords: Hearing protectors; Construction; Hearing conservation training; Noise exposure; Hearing loss prevention; Intervention research
Contact
Noah Seixas, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98105
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
nseixas@u.washington.edu
Identifying No.
Grant-Number-R01-OH-008078; Grant-Number-T42-OH-008433
Priority Area
Construction
Source Name
International Journal of Audiology
Performing Organization
University of Washington
