Predicting Factors of Hearing Protection Devices Use among Workers in Large Lumber Mill

Abstract

The purpose of this predictive study was to examine whether the following factors: perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived self-efficacy in using hearing protection, and provision of hearing protection devices (HPDs) for workers could predict HPDs use among workers working in large lumber mills. The samples were 142 workers working in production line. Data collection was undertaken during September - October, 2007. The research instrument was an interview form modified from that developed by Lusk et al. (1994) and based on literature reviews. The main results revealed that there were significantly positive correlations among perceived benefits, perceived self-efficacy in using hearing protection, provision of HPDs, and HPDs use among workers (rs =0.365, 0.320, 0.321, p <0.01). However, there was a significantly negative correlation between perceived barriers to using hearing protection and HPDs use among workers (rs = -0.366, p <0.01). Use of hearing protection devices was best predicted by perceived barriers to using hearing protection and provision of HPDs, which statistically accounted for 52.8 percent (p <0.05). The findings of the study precisely indicate that enhancing safety workplace climate, especially the provision of HPDs for workers is of great importance. Occupational health nurses and related health team should recognize such importance. Attention of for workplace administrators should be paid to continuous safety work along with raising awareness of safety work practice, which is HPDs use among workers.