Noise
Exposure to excessive noise in the workplace can result in hearing impairment. Damage to ear drums and the complex structures in the inner ear can result in temporary and permanent hearing loss. People often experience temporary deafness after leaving a noisy place.Although hearing recovers within a few hours, this should not be ignored. It isa sign that if you continue to be exposed to the noise your hearing could be permanently damaged. Permanent hearing damage can be caused immediately by sudden, extremely loud, explosive noises, eg from engine back-fires or tuna“bombs”. But hearing loss is usually gradual because of prolonged exposure to noise. It may only be when damage caused by noise over the years combines with hearing loss due to ageing that people realise how deaf they have become.Eventually everything becomes muffled and words confusing – but hearing loss is not the only problem. People may develop tinnitus (ringing, whistling, buzzing or humming in the ears), a distressing condition which can lead to disturbed sleep.
Vibration
There are oscillating movements transmitted through solid material and are very common at sea. They can affect the whole body due to the movement of the vessel or when working near vibrating machinery, or may be focused on the hands and arms when using vibrating tools. They may induce a number of adverse health effects, either directly, or indirectly through the impact of reflex muscle activity on body structures – these include motion sickness, fatigue, tingling, numbness or loss of dexterity among others.
Control Measures
The most efficient and effective way of controlling noise is by technical and organisational means that protect fishers at source, eg changes in process, reducing vibration (damping) and reducing time spent in noisy areas. Also:
- A formal noise survey needs to be carried out to determine the noise levels present in the workplace during normal operations.
- All persons exposed to high levels of noise (85dB (A) and above), eg in machinery spaces, etc. should wear ear protectors of a type recommended as suitable for the particular circumstances. In general, ear muffs provide the most effective form of hearing protection.
- All areas where the noise level is above the limit, need to be designated as a noise zone, signs posted showing this and fishers only being allowed to enter these areas wearing the necessary hearing protection.
To reduce the effects of vibration, make sure that equipment is correctly maintained, try reducing the time spent working at a particular task, and use the correct PPE, such as special gloves, special shoes, etc.
