Occupational Noise Hazards in Agri-Based Industries in India

The study assesses noise hazards in agri-based industrial workplaces in Punjab state of India. Guidelines of Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety were employed to generate the primary data on noise survey. Potential noise hazardous areas within 40 agri-based industrial units (flour units/wheat milling units) were identified through constructing the contour map. A layout mentioning the locations of various machines and workers in the units were prepared. Data on output capacity, size of power source, maintenance condition of machines and workroom configurations were solicited through the personal interview of the owner of the units. Semi-structured interview schedule was prepared to generate the primary data. Average temperature, relative humidity and air velocity in the working rooms were also recorded. A specific grid (2 m × 2 m) was made on the layout based on the size of unit to get representative data for unit. A sound-level meter was also placed to record the noise levels. It was observed that the normal working hours (h) of flour units were varied from 8 to 12 h. The highest sound level was generated at power transmission unit varying in the range of 92.2 dBA and 98.5 dBA. The average sound intensity was recorded as 95.1 dBA which was the highest noise intensity. For ensuring the safe working environment, noise control devices should be provided to all workers in the units and need to be enforced. The machines should be regularly maintained to reduce warbling of components which increase noise and employers should consider reduction in working period to minimize noise exposure period. Personal protective measures for the safety of workers are also needed.