Personal Noise Exposure and Associated Health Effects among Trade Workers on Melbourne Residential Construction Sites

Shamim Gulzar, Kennedy Osakwe Adakporia

Abstract: Occupational noise remains a persistent hazard in residential construction. In my view, quantifying task-specific exposure is essential for targeted controls. This analysis-study compared 8-hour time-weighted noise levels and self-reported health outcomes among carpenters, masons, and concrete workers across five Melbourne sites (n = 30 measurements per task; 25 survey respondents). Dosimeters and sound-level meters captured personal and area readings, while questionnaires explored tinnitus, fatigue, and stress. It is evident that masons and carpenters routinely exceeded the occupational exposure limit (OEL) of 85 dB(A), with tile-grinding peaking at 109 dB(A). This suggests that hearing-protection compliance (reported at only 40 %) lags behind risk. Adopting quieter equipment, reinforcing PPE programmes, and integrating task-rotation could meaningfully reduce noise-induced harm.

Keywords: Occupational Noise, Construction Workers, Hearing Loss, Residential Buildings