Noise Exposure among Machine Operators on Construction Sites in South Johor, Malaysia

<jats:p>Machines operators expose to excessive noise in the workplace that may lead to hearing damage. This study investigates construction machine operators noise exposure levels for eight hours or time weighting averages (TWAs), relationship TWA with machine noise emission level, the practices of using hearing protection devices (HPDs) and working in a closed machine cab. Heavy and non-heavy machine operators at five construction sites involved with excavation and piling activities were selected and measured by using dosimeters. 68% of operators were exposed to TWA of 85 dBA and 18% of the operators exceeded the permissible limit. 40% of operators work inside a closed machine cab, 18% wear earplugs and only 16% practiced both. Both operators of heavy machines (except excavators) and dump trucks are exposed to TWA > 90 dBA if they work in open machine cabs. The TWAs were found well correlated (r=0.41) with the machine noise emission, which ranged between 84 dBA to 125 dBA. Furthermore, this study proposes the type of HPD for the operators of typical machine to minimise the risk of hearing loss.</jats:p>