Is on-board noise putting fish harvesters’ hearing at risk? A study of noise exposures in small-scale fisheries in Newfoundland and Labrador

Burella, Giorgio; Moro, Lorenzo; Neis, Barbara

doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2021.105325

Cited by 8 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…In the present research, most participants identified the engine as a source of noise exposure. However, in the study conducted by Burella et al (39), fish harvesters also described other sources of noise exposure, such as winches and fish pumping systems. The current study focuses on the behavior of fish harvesters in tolerating noise and adapting to the loud environment.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The concept of relating an individual’s health to capital dates to political economy debates, beginning with Mushkin’s ( 37 ) view of health as an investment and Becker’s ( 38 ) view of health as a component of human capital. Grossman ( 39 ) expands on these perceptions by coining the term “health capital” as a component of a demand model for the product “good health.” This view identifies health as a “durable capital stock that produces an output of healthy time” that drops with age but can be invested via medical treatments ( 33 ). The health capital approach helps in understanding the value of health as an investment and guides us in avoiding the various individual risks we encounter.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, raising safety standards will raise running expenses for small fishing boats operated by families, which could impede the success of this regional fishing health and safety program ( 54 ). Burella et al ( 39 ) used a job-based method to assess the 8-h equivalent L EX,8h noise level among NL fish harvesters. The measured values were matched to the province’s appropriate NIHL risk criteria.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The authors developed recommendations for technical solutions and types of hearing protection devices and applications to minimize noise exposures based on these findings. The authors suggested the regular use of hearing aids, the need for a change in the acoustic design of vessels, and the implementation of awareness programs for fish harvesters ( 39 ). In the present research, most participants identified the engine as a source of noise exposure.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Occupational noise exposure at sea: A socio-legal study on fish harvesters’ perceptions in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Yadav

Shan

Sarkar

et al. 2023

Front. Public Health

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IntroductionNoise is a significant health hazard for fish harvesters. Chronic exposure to hazardous noise levels of 85 dB (A) for an 8-h work shift can have adverse health impacts, including both auditory and non-auditory health problems such as noise-induced hearing loss, stress, hypertension, sleeping disorders, and impaired cognitive performance.MethodsA review of legislation and policies governing workplace noise exposure, as well as qualitative, semi-structured interviews, were conducted to assess how fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) manage onboard occupational noise exposure and perceive noise-induced health problems, as well as the barriers and challenges associated with preventing and controlling noise exposure.ResultsThe legal review shows no compulsory noise preventive measure at the fishing vessel design stage in Canada. Limited implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations to control and prevent onboard noise by employers in Newfoundland and Labrador. Fishers reported that their workplace is noisy. Over time, fish harvesters adapted to the environment and learned to tolerate loud noise, displaying fatalistic behavior. Fish harvesters reported avoiding using hearing protection onboard due to navigation safety concerns. Fishers reported hearing loss as well as other non-auditory health problems. Inadequate noise control measures adopted by employers, a limited supply of hearing protection onboard, and a lack of regular hearing testing, training, and education were identified as the main barriers to preventing and controlling noise exposure.ConclusionProper implementation of NL OHS regulations and the development of hearing conservation initiatives by employers are necessary. All stakeholders, including the federal and provincial governments, WorkplaceNL, and not-for-profit fishing organizations in the province, are strongly recommended to initiate training and education campaigns to help fish harvesters understand noise exposure and adopt preventive measures.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%