Journal of Occupational

  Background: The sound is an environmental and occupational pollutant and can cause a number of reactions in human body, in which hearing loss is one of the most important effects. Cement industry is one of the industries with noise induced hazards. The aim of this study was to evaluate the noise level in different parts of Kerman Cement Plant.

  Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done in Kerman Cement Plant in 2009. The sound level was measured according to the standard ISO 9612:1997 (E) in workers main commuting spots. Noise levels were measured by the testo SLM device (Model CEL-815) in network A and calibrator model IEC942/90 claa2. Data were analyzed by the EXCEL software.

  Results: The highest sound pressure level in the Cement Plant (106 db) was recorded in the stone crushing units and the grinding units (mills) 14 u nits had a mean sound level above the permissible 85 db noise level.

Conclusion: There are specific units with high noise exposure in the Kerman Cement plant. Thus systematic noise evaluation in the working units, worker education, noise control, distributing proper standard noise protection equipment among the workers, performing annual audiometries, and evaluating and updating noise control programs are necessary.

  Background: Rug weaving is an important source of income in rural areas of Kerman and hand woven rugs are considered as the most important non-petroleum export of Iran. In this study, we describe the working environment as well as the occupational risk factors of these rug weavers.

  Materials and Methods: This study was performed in the Golzar region including Shirinak, Chartagh and Babe Shamil villages. The workplaces were identified and the hazards of each workshop were determined using the study checklist. The workers were also screened for medical conditions.

  Results: The average age of the workers was 29 years. The work place evaluation showed that the floor, wall, ceiling, light, temperature and general condition of most of the workplaces was inappropriate and non-standard, and needed major changes. The average working hours were 9.1 hours a day. Medical problems such as visual disturbances, musculoskeletal problems, psychological disorders, gynecological disorders, goiter and tightness of breath were discovered in the workers.

Conclusion: Many rug weavers still work in improper conditions, and need occupational health knowledge and financial support to improve the physical characteristics of their workplaces and prevent debilitating disorders