Introduction / framework / objectives:

Noise is an occupational risk factor extensively addressed in the Occupational Health literature. However, its pathophysiological consequences have traditionally been emphasized, sometimes neglecting more detailed explanations concerning personal protective equipment and collective protective measures.

Methodology:

This is a Scoping Review, initiated by a September 2019 search of the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Cochrane Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: Comprehensive, Academic Search Ultimate, Science Direct, SCOPUS and RCAAP.”

Content:

There are several collective protection measures (at the workspace structure/ design and use of various materials/ devices) that are able to attenuate noise exposure.

When exceeding the lower exposure value (80 decibels) the employer must provide hearing protection; if the upper exposure value (85 decibels) is reached or exceeded its use is required (after prior enhancement of collective protective measures). However, workers and their representatives have to be consulted to choose the model. In selecting the latter, account should be taken of European Community certification, appropriate attenuation, compatibility with tasks and other protective equipment used simultaneously; as well as the physical condition of the worker, acceptability and comfort that it will generate. The effectiveness of these will depend on time of use, correct utilization, shape/ size, fit to the ear, pressure (head and/ or ear), resistance to extreme temperatures and material.

Conclusions:

Occupational health team professionals generally need up-to-date information on individual and collective protection measures to mitigate the effects of noise in the workplace.

The bibliography (in indexed databases) on these two themes is not very abundant and/ or easily accessible. However, these measures, well used, can attenuate noise, promoting safer and healthier work.

It would be pertinent for Occupational Health teams who deal with clients with different noise levels, to investigate which of these techniques are most appropriate to each situation and how employees adhere better to the process and perform their part more effectively.

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