Rohollah Fallah Madvari, Hamideh Bidel, Hadis Ghajari, Zahra Jegari, Fatema Babaee, Milad Abbasi,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (10-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Workplace noise is one of the main sources of health problems. Noise can have many direct and indirect effects that threaten human health in various ways. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of noise annoyance on anxiety among workers.
Material and Methods: This study included 60 workers from a carton manufacturing company, who were divided into two groups based on noise exposure: exposure (noise level more than 85 dB) and control (noise level less than 85 dB). Noise exposure of the individuals at the workplace was measured in accordance with ISO 9612:2009 standard and using a TES-1354 dosimeter. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Spielberger Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and noise annoyance was measured using a 100-point visual analog scale. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA statistical software.
Results: The mean age and work experience of the study subjects were 35.78 and 10.78 years, respectively. The results indicated a statistically significant difference (P-value < 0.05) in the mean noise annoyance scores between the groups. The mean noise annoyance score in the exposed group was significantly higher (88.03) than in the non-exposed group (47.6). The average anxiety scores in the exposure and control groups were 106.81 and 101.6, respectively. In addition, regression analysis showed that each unit increase in noise annoyance level resulted in a 1.08-fold increase in anxiety in the exposed group.
Conclusion: Noise annoyance is often the most common psychological response to noise exposure and can be a predictor of many mental disorders or illnesses, including anxiety. Therefore, it is important to implement control measures to reduce noise exposure in the workplace.
Rasoul Ahmadpour-Geshlagi, Hadi Ahmadi Vafa, Ramin Abbasi, Parisa Moshashaei, Mahdi Firouzi, Mostafa Javanmardi, Seyed Shamseddin Alizadeh,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (12-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Occupational diseases and workplace accidents have significant financial impacts on industries, communities, and nations each year. Risk assessment is considered an effective tool for managing these issues; however, many organizations fail to implement it successfully. This study explores this challenge from the perspective of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) officers.
Material and Methods: In this study, 30 Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with HSE officers. Inductive content analysis was used for analyzing interviews. After analyzing the interviews, the codes in the interviews were categorized. To ensure credibility and transferability, participant checking and consultations with experts in the field of risk assessment were conducted.
Results: After analyzing the interviews, seven main categories were identified, each comprising several sub-categories. The main categories included: Resources, Technical Knowledge, Legal and Regulatory Barriers, Cultural Issues, Absence of Risk-Based Thinking in the Organization, Individual Issues, and Lack of Interaction and Communication.
Conclusion: This study revealed that seven major barriers hinder the implementation of risk management systems and the execution of risk assessments in the industries of East Azerbaijan Province. These obstacles can directly affect the identification, analysis, and control of risks, ultimately reducing the effectiveness of occupational health and safety processes. Therefore, to conduct effective risk assessments and enhance safety levels in industrial environments, it is essential for policymakers, industry managers, and regulatory bodies to accurately identify and analyze these barriers and develop appropriate solutions to address them. Moreover, designing and implementing educational programs, restructuring management systems, and strengthening interactions between regulatory organizations and industries can contribute to improving risk assessment processes and safety management in this sector.
