Questionnaire-based algorithm for assessing occupational noise exposure of construction workers
开发了一种基于问卷的算法，嵌入软件平台OccIDEAS，通过工人最近轮班任务评估其噪声暴露是否超标，在100名建筑工人中验证显示识别效果良好。
Objectives Occupational noise exposure is a major cause of hearing loss worldwide. In order to inform preventative strategies, we need to further understand at a population level which workers are most at risk. Methods We have developed a new questionnaire-based algorithm that evaluates an individual worker’s noise exposure. The questionnaire and supporting algorithms are embedded into the existing software platform, OccIDEAS. Based on the tasks performed by a worker during their most recent working shift and using a library of task-based noise exposure levels, OccIDEAS estimates whether a worker has exceeded the full-shift workplace noise exposure limit (L Aeq,8h ≥85 dBA). We evaluated the validity of the system in a sample of 100 construction workers. Each worker wore a dosimeter for a full working shift and was then interviewed using the OccIDEAS software. Results The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.81 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.90) indicating that the ability of OccIDEAS to identify construction workers with an L Aeq,8h ≥85 dBA was excellent. Conclusion This validated noise questionnaire may be useful in epidemiological studies and for workplace health and safety applications.