Occupational Exposure of Noise Level in Opencast Iron Ore Mines in India

Abstract

Mining in general has become essential industry sector for the sustaining growth of any developing country. In India iron ore mining is mainly mechanised and well developed industry sector, using highly mechanised equipments and technology for excavation and processing of mined iron ore. It is due to this reason iron ore mining seen as a one of the major sector responsible for workplace occupational health hazard particularly for noise related health impacts on workers health. The objective of this study was to ascertain the job specific noise exposure among the Similar Exposure Groups (SEGs). Total 133 personal noise dosimeter samples were collected from different job category and working areas of iron ore mining and processing sector. It was observed that the participated workers in the crushing area were exposed to 81.64 dB (A), Heavy Earth Moving Machineries (HEMM) operators 86.10 dB (A), loading plant workers 83.76 dB (A), screening plant workers 87.62 dB (A) and mines operation and workshop workers 84.92 dB (A). During the study specifically HEMM operators were highly exposed to workplace noise, with 46% samples exceeding warning limit and 18% exceeding danger limit prescribed by Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Government of India. It was felt necessary to augment the awareness and safety training to the workers for proper implementation of preventive measure for workplace noise exposure.