Investigation continuous noise exposure and occupational performance of the workers in the pharmaceutical industry: A Case Study in an Ampoule and Vial Production Industry

Introduction: Exposure to noise is considered as one of the most important health problems in various industries, especially pharmaceutical industry, which can ultimately lead to significant negative effects on labor force and occupational performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between continuous noise exposure and occupational performance of the workers in the pharmaceutical industry and ampoule production line in Iran.   Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted through a descriptive-analytical method in 2017. The subjects were 100 workers exposed to noise in an ampoule and vial manufacturing factory in Iran. The sound measurement was carried out in accordance with ISO 9612: 2009. The Hersey and Goldsmith questionnaire (ACHIEVE model) was used to investigate the workers’ occupational performance, and the seven dimensions of the questionnaire as well as the final score of occupational performance was determined for each individual.   Results: The results showed that there was a low inverse relationship between noise exposure and occupational performance of the total workers in all the halls which was statistically significant (P-value = 0/01, r2 = 0/256). It was also found that there was an inverse relationship between exposure to noise and the seven dimensions, but the relationship was statistically significant only for the dimensions of ability, clarity, and evaluation (P-value <0.05).   Conclusion: The present study showed that the workers in the pharmaceutical industry and ampoule production line were often exposed to higher-than-permitted sound level, and such exposures had negative effects on their occupational performance.