Affiliations 

  • 1 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
MyJurnal

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the major sectors in Malaysia. Apart from providing
facilities, services and goods it also offers employment opportunities to local and
foreign workers. In fact, the construction workers are exposed to high risk of noises
being generated from various sources including excavators, bulldozers, concrete mixer
and piling machines. Previous studies indicated that the piling and concrete work were
recorded as the main source that contributed to the highest level of noise among
others. Therefore, the aim of this study is to obtain the level of noise exposure during
piling process and to determine the awareness of workers against noise pollution at
the construction site. Initially, the reading of noise level was obtained at construction
site by using a digital sound level meter (SLM) and noise exposure to the workers was
mapped. Readings were taken from four different distances; 5, 10, 15 and 20 meters
from the piling machine. Furthermore, a set of questionnaire was also distributed to
assess the knowledge of regarding noise pollution at the construction site. The result
showed that the mean noise level at 5 meters distance was more than 90 dB, which
exceeded the recommended level. Although the level of awareness of regarding the
effect of noise pollution is satisfactory but majority of workers (90%) still did not wear
ear muffs during working periods. Therefore, the safety module guidelines related to
noise pollution controls should be implemented to provide a safe working environment
and prevent initial occupational hearing loss.