Evaluation of noise exposure in shipbuilding sector

Exposure to noise above workplace limits may create health and safety risks, as well as a decrease in job performance and stress to employees. The shipbuilding sector is classified as very dangerous according to the Communiqué on Workplace and Danger Classes on Occupational Health and Safety. In this study, noise exposure in shipbuilding sector and its effect on workers were investigated. The study was carried out in three shipyards in Kocaeli and Yalova and health records of these shipyards were examined. The subcontracting rate was 88% in one shipyard and 95% in another shipyard. According to the health records examined, 21,88% of the permanent staff and 42% of the subcontracted employees had hearing loss due to noise. In addition, the questionnaire prepared by the British Institute of Occupational Health and Safety to determine hearing loss was applied to 93 employees. Survey data were analyzed by SPSS program. According to the data of 93 employees, 36% of the employees had hearing loss.