Evaluation of Noise Levels at Different Industrial Sectors Within the Gaza strip: A Pilot Study

Abstract

There is little/ no information about occupational noise exposure of workers within industrial and manufacturing sectors in the Gaza strip. It is due to the difficulty of conducting noise exposure surveillance in such occupations and because of the lake of awareness regarding this issue. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the exposure of those groups of workers to occupational noise using a combined measurement and questionnaire approach. Noise is an important factor that affects work environment, and consequently affects both workers' health and efficiency. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) specify seven basic sources for health hazards, and noise is probably the most annoying factor. Noise presents health and social problems in industrial operations, and is mainly related to machinery used in the industries. The present study was conducted in different utilities industries in the Gaza Strip, in order to evaluate the noise levels at those factories and to develop awareness campaign among those workers.