ABSTRACT

Noise is probably the most common occupational danger, and it also is an environmental danger. This study focused on the evaluation of machine noise in the performance of operators in Umuahia Timber Market. The specific objectives of the study were to: determine the effect of noise on machine operators, identify the causes of machine noise and assess the possible strategies to lower the machine noise. The population of the study was selected randomly from 50 machine operators in Umuahia Timber Market. Measurements were carried out using a calibrated digital sound level meter (Extech 407730). The measurements were taken over a period of 10 minutes interval as stipulated by the noise control regulation. The ratio for highest distribution of data are as follows. The distribution ofthe respondents according to their age 25- 30 years, 28% representing 14 respondents. The distribution ofthe respondents according to their years of experience was examined, 26% representing 13 respondents had less than one year experience. The distribution of respondents according to their academic qualification, 36% representing 18 respondent had WAEC certificate. The distribution of respondents according to their marital status, 48% representing 24 respondents were single. The data obtained from digital sound level meter was subjected to one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using Genstat discovery, 4th edition to test for the mean difference across the sources of noise. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study showed that loud noise can create physical and psychological stress, loud noise reduce productivity, interfere with communication and concentration, machine noise contribute to workplace accidents and injuries by making it difficult to hear warning signals. Machine noise can lead to stress related illnesses, high blood pressure, speech interference and hearing loss. Finally, machine noise causes sleep disruption, and lost productivity. However, it is recommended that the provision of noise control devices like use of mufflers, dampers and silencers, strict adherence to government regulations and policies, regular maintenance ofmilling machines to reduce warbling of components which leads to increase in noise generation, and use of enclosures on feed mills equipment to reduce vibration and noise transmission to the mill workers and general public.