Effect of Noise Pollution Among Milling Machine Operators in North-West Nigeria

Commercial activities are mostly centralized to main markets in many towns and cities of the Northern part of Nigeria. Such central markets constitute the noisiest part of the towns. Yet, there is no evidence that the workers and traders in such markets are aware of the challenges excessive noise pollution pose to their health. This problem serves as the basis for this research, which investigated the major source of noise pollution in Kebbi central market and make recommendation to improve the well being of the people in the market. The market was divided into thirteen sections based on activities. These sections were visited twice a day for two weeks to measure their sound levels. The sound level was measured with a CEM digital noise level meter with an accuracy of ±3.5dB@1KHz. Thereafter, an ergonomic observation assessment of the noisiest section was carried out. The assessment was carried out based on rapid entire body assessment (REBA) methodology. The average sound intensity in all the sections exceeded the recommended safe sound level of 40dB. However, only the sound intensity at the grain and spice milling section (89.13 dB) exceeded the noise harmfulness level of 85dB. Operators were encouraged to use ear muffs or earplugs to minimize the exposure to harmful noise level. Proper electrification of the section was also recommended to minimize the use of internal combustion engines. The findings emphasized the need for government and relevant authorities to carry out occupational safety awareness among workers in the non-formal sector of the society.