New research suggests workplace noise affects heart disease

Just as OSHA is trying to ramp up its noise standard enforcement comes a study showing a link between workplace noise and heart disease.

The study, published on the website of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, concludes that young male smokers who work in noisy surroundings are especially at increased risk of developing coronary heart disease.

The study examined more than 6,000 workers who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004 and reported exposure to loud noise in the workplace.

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The report said participants chronically exposed to occupational noise "had a two to three fold increased prevalence of angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, CHD and isolated diastolic hypertension." It also said the noise exposure associated with angina pectoris, myocardial infarction and CHD were "particularly strong for participants aged under 50, men and current smokers."

The report suggested that excess noise exposure in the workplace is an important occupational health issue and deserves special attention.

The report comes as OSHA is taking public comment on its proposal to change its noise control interpretation. The agency has extended the comment period until March 21 and announced a stakeholder meeting on the proposal, which would result in increased enforcement of workplace noise standards for general industry and construction.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

January 13, 2011

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