K1b: An Analysis of MSHA Mining Noise Database
Wed, 6/3: 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM CDT
Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center
Description
Noise exposure is ubiquitous, and exists in all industries, but can be a particular cause for concern in heavy commercial and industrial settings including construction, manufacturing, and mining. Workers in the mining sector have been found to have rates of hearing loss far exceeding general industry with almost a quarter of the occupational population experiencing more than 25 dB of hearing loss averaged over the 1, 2, 3, and 4 kHz audiometric frequencies.
To better understand noise exposures in the mining industry and identify patterns of exposure between mine types and occupational designation over time, data were collected from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) from 1979 to 2025. Descriptive statistics and two fixed-effect linear regression models were developed to predict the average noise exposure by job title; one model predicts exposure using the MSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) (i.e., 90 dBA limit, 90 dBA threshold) and the other uses the MSHA action level (AL) (i.e., 85 dBA limit, 80 dBA threshold).
Overall, 8-hr TWA noise levels decreased significantly (p<0.05) over time, albeit the decrease was not strictly linear, nor consistent across different job titles. This presentation will explore this variability and provide information on job titles that have sufficiently reduced noise exposure and those that need more work. These results will help further noise control efforts in the mining industry.
To better understand noise exposures in the mining industry and identify patterns of exposure between mine types and occupational designation over time, data were collected from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) from 1979 to 2025. Descriptive statistics and two fixed-effect linear regression models were developed to predict the average noise exposure by job title; one model predicts exposure using the MSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) (i.e., 90 dBA limit, 90 dBA threshold) and the other uses the MSHA action level (AL) (i.e., 85 dBA limit, 80 dBA threshold).
Overall, 8-hr TWA noise levels decreased significantly (p<0.05) over time, albeit the decrease was not strictly linear, nor consistent across different job titles. This presentation will explore this variability and provide information on job titles that have sufficiently reduced noise exposure and those that need more work. These results will help further noise control efforts in the mining industry.
Co-Authors
S. Zentner, Benchmark Risk Group, Grand Rapids, MI
B. Roberts, Benchmark Risk Group, Grand Rapids, MI
B. Roberts, Benchmark Risk Group, Grand Rapids, MI
Acknowledgements & References
None
Keywords
Exposure Assessment
Hearing conservation and noise reduction
Occupational epidemiology