[Reporting of occupational hearing loss in the Norwegian offshore industry 1992-2003].
BACKGROUND
Our aim was to analyse the incidence of reported occupational hearing loss in the Norwegian offshore industry over the period 1992 to 2003. This industry has for many years focused on noise as a risk factor, and workers are regularly screened for hearing loss.


METHODS
In 1992 the Petroleum Safety Authority in Norway established a reporting system for occupationally related diseases in the petroleum industry. The information gained might be helpful in preventing occupational hearing loss. A descriptive analysis of this register is presented.


RESULTS
Hearing loss and musculoskeletal disorders were the most frequently reported work-related diseases. A total of 1709 cases of occupational hearing loss were reported from 1992 through 2003. The incidence of reported hearing loss varied, from 1 per 1000 in 1992 to 9 per 1000 in 2002. Most cases were found in the age group 50 to 59 years. The largest number of reported hearing losses was found among mechanics, painters and building structure cleaners, electricians, process technicians, and roughnecks.


CONCLUSIONS
The reported number of occupational hearing loss among workers in the Norwegian offshore industry in the period 1992 to 2003 shows that hearing loss is an important health challenge. Control measures are still needed. Continuous improvement in the reporting system and further research on risk factors and control measures should be discussed.
Morken
Tone
T
Seksjon for arbeidsmedisin, Institutt for samfunnsmedisinske fag, Universitetet i Bergen, 5018 Bergen. tone.morken@isf.uib.no
Bråtveit
Magne
M
Moen
Bente E
BE
D019652:Extraction and Processing Industry; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010578:Petroleum; D012042:Registries; D012307:Risk Factors
D010578:Petroleum