Worker Exposure And Equipment Noise In Large Surface Coalmines

Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) continues to be a problem in the mining industry. New noise standards (Part 62) promulgated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) are aimed at reducing NIHL in the mining industry. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is conducting a cross-sectional survey of noise sources and worker noise exposures to address NIHL in mining. Noise surveys, including full-shift worker noise exposure and equipment noise profiling, have been completed in several surface coal mines, with an emphasis on draglines. The results of these studies are reported, their implications concerning worker NIHL are addressed, and their application to administrative and engineering controls is discussed.