Assessment of Worker Exposure to Noise and Vibrations in a Car Body Shop and a Construction Site

Occupational exposure to noise and mechanical vibration is a significant health and safety problem in many work environments. Prolonged exposure can cause several adverse health effects, including hearing loss, disorders affecting the lumbar spine (vibrations transmitted to the whole body) and neurological, vascular and musculoskeletal disorders affecting the upper limbs (vibrations transmitted to the hand-arm system). This study aims to investigate occupational exposure to noise and mechanical vibration through two case studies, relating to scenarios in different sectors (car body shop and construction company). For the exposure assessment, phonometric and vibrometric measurements were carried out in different operating scenarios, using a sound level meter and two vibration analysers, respectively. Exposure levels were compared to the action and exposure limit values established by Italian occupational health and safety legislation (Legislative Decree 81/2008). The results showed high risk levels for exposure to vibrations transmitted to the hand-arm system in both case studies, particularly during the use of tools such as grinders, drills and demolition hammers. As regards noise risk levels, the levels associated with these tools are equally high. Based on the findings, the study makes commendations to improve risk management and protection strategies, including the use of low-emission equipment, the adoption of organisational and procedural measures, and the pro-vision of information and training to workers.