Symptoms of Nervous System Related Disorders among Workers Exposed to Occupational Noise and Vibration in Korea

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Authors: Lee, Seunghyun ; Lee, Wanhyung ; Roh, Jaehoon ; Won, Jong-Uk ; Yoon, Jin-Ha

Citation: JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, Vol.59(2) : 191-197, 2017

MeSH: Adult ; Asthenopia/epidemiology* ; Ear Protective Devices/utilization ; Fatigue/epidemiology* ; Female ; Headache/epidemiology* ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Noise, Occupational/statistics & numerical data* ; Occupational Exposure/statistics & numerical data* ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Severity of Illness Index ; Sleep Wake Disorders/epidemiology* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Symptom Assessment ; Vibration*

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between vibration and noise exposure in the workplace and certain nervous system related symptoms (NSRS) among Korean workers.

METHODS: Using data from the fourth Korean Working Conditions Survey, we investigated the influence of vibration and noise with three categories; none, mild, and severe, on sleep disturbance, overall fatigue, and headache/eye strain using logistic regression analysis with stratification by personal protective equipment (PPE) wearing status.

RESULTS: Severe noise/vibration exposure was associated in a dose-response fashion with NSRS; the odds ratios (ORs) for sleep disturbance, headache/eyestrain, and overall fatigue were 1.48/1.06, 1.46/1.26, and 1.56/1.28 for severe and mild noise/vibration exposure, respectively, compared with no exposure. Workers who did not wear PPEs were the most affected.

CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposures to vibration and noise are associated with NSRS. Additional longitudinal studies and tightened education and safety measures are warranted.