Potential barriers to engineered noise control in food and beverage manufacturing in British Columbia, Canada: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: Noise is probably the most ubiquitous of occupational hazards. While many jurisdictions require hearing conservation programs (HCP), the most effective intervention—engineered noise controls (ENC)—is rarely implemented. We used a qualitative study design to investigate barriers to the implementation of ENC. Design & study sample: Fifty-five individuals at eight food and beverage manufacturers participated. In-depth interviews were conducted and analysed using grounded theory techniques. HCP audits provided contextual information. Results: None of the companies had fully implemented HCP as required by regulation. Many factors emerged as possible barriers to the implementation of engineered noise control, including: poor knowledge of relevant regulations, noise reduction options and the health impacts of noise; weak technical skills and experience; low ranking of noise as a hazard by stakeholders; issues around job insecurity, weak language skills; lack of ‘quiet’ machine options and information from equipment manufacturers; poor employer-regulator relationships; barriers to employee-employer reporting; informal valuation of ENC costs; and feasibility issues. Conclusions: Potential barriers to the implementation of ENC were identified, and classified at three levels at which they operated. Many barriers could be addressed by a more rigorous application of existing HCP regulation and improvements in education, technical support, and regulatory enforcement.

Key words::

• Hearing conservation program
• engineered noise control
• qualitative
• food and beverage manufacturing

Acknowledgements

This paper was originally presented at the annual NHCA conference in Mesa Arizona, USA, February 2011. The authors acknowledge participating companies and research participants for their contribution to this study. The authors would also like to thank Jadine Thom, Kathleen McLean, Maryam Noghondarian, and Vince Ho, who assisted in data collection and analysis; and Catherine Trask, Meghan Winters, and Elaina MacIntyre, graduate students in the UBC Bridge Program (www.bridge.ubc.ca) who developed the original funding proposal.

Note

1. First Nations is a term that collectively refers to various indigenous peoples within Canada who are neither identified as Inuit nor Métis.

Declaration of interest: This research was supported with funds from WorkSafeBC.