Development and pilot test of hearing conservation training for construction workers.
BACKGROUND
Hearing conservation efforts in construction frequently rely on use of hearing protection devices (HPDs): however, training on HPDs is often not provided, and usage rates remain low. In this study, a hearing conservation training program was developed and pilot tested.


METHODS
A theoretical model was selected as the basis for the program, and program contents and delivery methods were selected to optimize the effectiveness and flexibility of the training. Two evaluation measures were selected to assess training-related changes in self-reported HPD use. The first was a validated method using concurrent work-shift noise dosimetry, and the second was a survey concerning workers beliefs and attitudes towards HPDs and HPD use.


RESULTS
The training program was pilot tested on a single construction site. Complete assessment data were available for 23 workers. The percent of time when hearing protection was used during noise levels above 85 dBA nearly doubled post-training, and the change was statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Pre- and post-training data from participating workers demonstrated that HPD use can be increased significantly with basic model-based training, even in industries with complex noise exposures such as construction.
Neitzel
Richard
R
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA. rneitzel@u.washington.edu
Meischke
Hendrika
H
Daniell
William E
WE
Trabeau
Maggie
M
Somers
Sebrina
S
Seixas
Noah S
NS
D000328:Adult; D003252:Construction Materials; D004430:Ear Protective Devices; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006309:Hearing; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development; D014861:Washington / Q000453:epidemiology