Provide adequate ear protective equipment

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 135 views

The Influence of Noise on the Level of Concentration and Perception of Workers in the Sawing of Wood at PT. Erika Mila with North Sumatra

Introduction

In a factory setting, the presence of machines is crucial for the production process. One of the most commonly used machines is the bandsaw machine, which serves to cut wood. During operation, this machine produces a loud enough sound that can affect the concentration and perception of workers who operate around it. This study aims to measure the intensity of the noise of the bandsaw machine and analyze its impact on the level of concentration and perception of workers, both operators and non-operators, in PT. Erika Mila located in North Sumatra.

The Importance of Noise Control in the Workplace

Noise is a significant occupational hazard that can affect the health and well-being of workers. Prolonged exposure to loud noises can lead to hearing loss, decreased productivity, and increased risk of work accidents. In the context of the bandsaw machine, the noise produced can be particularly hazardous, as it can disrupt the concentration and perception of workers. Therefore, it is essential to measure the intensity of the noise and analyze its impact on workers.

Research Methodology

Measurements were made on two bandsaw machines that operate simultaneously. The intensity of the resulting noise was measured and recorded using a sound level meter. Furthermore, to test the level of concentration, a nonparametric test was used, namely the Wilcoxon (The Signed Rank Test) test. This test aimed to determine the effect of engine noise on the concentration of respondents, both when using ear protectors (APT) or not. To assess worker's perception of noise, a Likert scale was used.

Research Results

The measurement results show that the intensity of the noise in engine A reaches 103.22 dB, while engine B records 104.93 dB. The noise produced by the bandsaw machine has a significant influence on the operator concentration level. It appears that when using ear protectors, the operator has a significant increase in concentration compared to the tool without the tool. On the other hand, for non-operator workers, noise does not show a significant effect on their concentration.

In terms of perception of noise, both operators and non-operators both feel a very noisy sound when not using APT. However, after using earmuffs, the operator's perception changed to no noise, while the non-operator perception became quite noisy. When using earplugs, the operator's perception is considered quite noisy, while non-operator perception remains in the noisy category.

Analysis

The noise caused by the bandsaw engine not only affects the concentration but also the perception of workers. This is important to note because if the concentration of workers is disrupted, it can result in a decrease in productivity and increased risk of work accidents. Meanwhile, perception of noise is an important factor in work satisfaction and comfort. Workers who feel comfortable tend to be more productive and contribute better to work results.

Conclusion

The influence of the noise of the Bandsaw Machine at PT. Erika Mila together shows that attention to a comfortable and safe work environment must be a priority, for the welfare of workers and the continuity of effective production processes. The results of this study highlight the importance of noise control in the workplace, particularly in industries that use high-noise machinery. By providing adequate ear protective equipment and routine maintenance to the machine, companies can reduce the risk of hearing loss and other occupational hazards.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Provide adequate ear protective equipment: Companies should provide ear protectors or earmuffs to workers who operate around the bandsaw machine.
Routine maintenance: Regular maintenance of the machine should be performed to ensure that the noise level remains within safe limits.
Noise control measures: Companies should implement noise control measures, such as soundproofing or noise-reducing materials, to minimize the impact of noise on workers.
Training and education: Workers should be trained and educated on the importance of noise control and the use of ear protective equipment.

By implementing these recommendations, companies can create a safer and more comfortable work environment for their workers, ultimately leading to increased productivity and reduced risk of occupational hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Influence of Noise on the Level of Concentration and Perception of Workers in the Sawing of Wood at PT. Erika Mila with North Sumatra

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to measure the intensity of the noise of the bandsaw machine and analyze its impact on the level of concentration and perception of workers, both operators and non-operators, in PT. Erika Mila located in North Sumatra.

Q: What are the potential risks of noise exposure in the workplace?

A: Prolonged exposure to loud noises can lead to hearing loss, decreased productivity, and increased risk of work accidents. In the context of the bandsaw machine, the noise produced can be particularly hazardous, as it can disrupt the concentration and perception of workers.

Q: What methods were used to measure the intensity of the noise?

A: Measurements were made on two bandsaw machines that operate simultaneously. The intensity of the resulting noise was measured and recorded using a sound level meter.

Q: What is the significance of the Wilcoxon (The Signed Rank Test) test in this study?

A: The Wilcoxon (The Signed Rank Test) test was used to determine the effect of engine noise on the concentration of respondents, both when using ear protectors (APT) or not. This test aimed to assess the level of concentration of workers in different noise conditions.

Q: What is the difference between ear protectors and earmuffs?

A: Ear protectors are designed to fit snugly over the ear, while earmuffs are designed to fit over the entire ear. Both types of ear protection can be effective in reducing noise exposure, but earmuffs may be more effective in certain situations.

Q: What are the implications of this study for workplace safety and health?

A: The results of this study highlight the importance of noise control in the workplace, particularly in industries that use high-noise machinery. By providing adequate ear protective equipment and routine maintenance to the machine, companies can reduce the risk of hearing loss and other occupational hazards.

Q: What recommendations can be made based on the findings of this study?

A: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Provide adequate ear protective equipment: Companies should provide ear protectors or earmuffs to workers who operate around the bandsaw machine.
Routine maintenance: Regular maintenance of the machine should be performed to ensure that the noise level remains within safe limits.
Noise control measures: Companies should implement noise control measures, such as soundproofing or noise-reducing materials, to minimize the impact of noise on workers.
Training and education: Workers should be trained and educated on the importance of noise control and the use of ear protective equipment.

Q: What are the potential benefits of implementing noise control measures in the workplace?

A: Implementing noise control measures in the workplace can lead to increased productivity, reduced risk of work accidents, and improved worker satisfaction and comfort.

Q: What are the next steps for this study?

A: The next steps for this study will involve further analysis of the data and the development of recommendations for workplace safety and health. Additionally, the study will be replicated in other industries to assess the generalizability of the findings.