Health Impact of Occupational Noise on Industrial Workers: (a Case Study of a Petrochemical Company in Port Harcourt)

The investigation of occupational Noise in a Petrochemical industry has been carried out. The noise levels were measured following standard procedure using calibrated sound pressure level meter Smart Sensor (Model AR854), Noise levels were measured at Gas plant, Olefin plant area, and Preform machine area of a petrochemical industry then questionnaires were designed to determine the health impact of high noise levels on employees in the workplace. Results showed mean values of 73.7dBA, 66.4dBA, 94.5dBA for the Gas plant area, Olefin area, and the Preform machine area respectively. Computed Equivalent continuous equal energy level (Leq) for Gas area and Olefin plant area are within National Environmental, Standards, Regulations and Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 8hours permissible exposure limits, but exceeded at Preform machine area. Computed Noise pollution level showed 89.96 dBA, 85.68 dBA and 95.7 dBA for Gas plant area, Olefin Plant and Preform machine area respectively. Computed Noise dose and Time weighted average showed workers in Gas plant and Olefin plant are within Permissible exposure Level and Human Conservative Amendment criteria, while workers in the Preform room are exposed to high noise level. Questionnaires analysis showed that workers are aware they are exposed to high noise level, 67.65% of the workers do not make use of hearing protection equipment. Medical problems commonly experienced by the workers are Hypertension with 37.5%, Hearing impairment 25%, Stress 18.8%. This research provides substantial documentation that workers in the petrochemical plant are exposed to high noise levels that is associated with worker related health problems. Management of the facility and workers are advised to adopt sound engineering and administrative control measures such as good maintenance, workers shift duties and periodic Audiometric test on the workers to reduce the industrial noise effects on the workers in the plants environment.