Health Impact of Occupational Exposure to Noise – A Mixed Method Assessment

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, activities in the oil and gas industry are accomplished with the aid of machinery with the potentials to generate high noise levels above 85 dB(A). A visit to a typical crude oil production facility in Sub-Saharan Africa(SSA) revealed noise-producing machinery such as generators, compressors, pumps, fluid, and gas flow, to mention but a few. This study assessed the health risks of exposure to noise in an offshore crude oil installation in Nigeria. Methods: A mixed-method approach was adopted to determine the associated health impacts. While the qualitative approach entailed the administration of questionnaires to exposed workers, the quantitative method involved the audiometric assessment of personnel exposed to noise sources at work the flow station and the statistical analysis of questionnaire sad ministered using the Statistical Programme for Social Science (SPSS) version 18.0 SPSS. Results: Although risk control measures were in place, health surveillance revealed a threshold shift but there was no exceedance of 30 dB (A). Relatedly, there are subjective evidence of Temporary Threshold Shifts (TSS) with symptoms. Conclusion: Exposure to excessive noise levels remains a potential risk in the oil industry despite the robust risk control measures. Though there might not be presentation of hearing loss, there could be health complaints suggestive of Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS). This exposure could be a precursor to Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (ONIHL), if exposure to excessive noise levels continues without mitigation.