A study to assess the effectiveness of an orientation programme on noise induced health hazards on the awareness and compliance to using protective device among employees in a metal fabrication industry at Chennai.

Abstract

A study to assess the effectiveness of an orientation programme on noise induced health hazards on the awareness and compliance to using protective device among employees in a selected metal fabrication industry at Chennai. The main aim of the study was to assess whether an orientation programme makes any difference on the awareness of employees on noise health effects and the compliance to using hearing protective devices. The conceptual framework of the study was based on Rosenstoch’s Health Belief Model (HBM) (revised 1996).The research approach used in this study was evaluator approach. The variables of the study were orientation programme on noise induced health hazards and the awareness and compliance to using hearing protective devices. The study was conducted in a selected metal fabrication industry, Chennai. The data were collected from a convenient sample of 50 employees through interview schedule, Questionnaire, rating scale and observational checklist. The awareness on noise hazards and compliance were assessed before and after intervention. The investigator collected a list of employees in various sections through convenient sampling who fulfilled the selection criteria and they were divided into 3 groups. Two groups consisted of seventeen samples and one group had sixteen samples. For the ease of observation, the researcher prepared colour tags. The tags were prepared in orange, green and yellow colour for the three individual groups and the samples were requested to wear it during their work shift. The compliance of using protective devices was assessed through observational checklist and the health problems were collected through rating scale. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Every group was given orientation programme lasting 30 minutes and also demonstration of wearing technique is taught and made them to re-demonstrate among themselves and observed individually for three days observations in a week before and after intervention for assessing the compliance. Before the intervention, the mean overall awareness score of samples were 14.62(45.69%) After the intervention, the mean overall awareness score 23.96,(74.88%) which showed the effectiveness of the orientation programme. Statistically there was a significant difference in the mean over all compliance score of using hearing protective devices before & after the intervention (t=24.01,P<0.05,df=48. The study concludes that the orientation programme was effective in improving the awareness on noise hazards and the compliance to using protective devices