Citation

Wilkins PA, Acton WI. Ann. Occup. Hyg. 1982; 25(3): 249-260.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1982, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/annhyg/25.3.249

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This review examines the evidence for a possible relationship between accidents and noise in industry. It has often been asserted that noise can be the cause of accidents; however, only five studies have attempted to assess the extent of this problem. These studies have indicated that high noise levels may be associated with higher accident rates and therefore provide suggestive but not conclusive evidence that noise is a contributory factor in the causation of accidents. The possible mechanisms of such an effect include the role of noise in causing a lack of attention and the masking of important auditory signals such as warning shouts, sirens and machinery sounds which indicate impending danger. In addition, the effects of a noise-induced hearing loss and the need to wear personal hearing protection to counter the noise could contribute indirectly to accidents by interfering with auditory communications. It is concluded that the possible link between noise and industrial accidents further emphasizes the need for reducing noise in industry and that this should be achieved wherever possible by means of noise control.

Language: en