Vibration levels and reported health effects among workers in Ubungo 1 power plant in Dar es salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Vibration is a common occupational hazard produced by gas fired combustion engines in power plants. Workers especially in production area (maintenance workers and Operators) are occupationally exposed to high vibration levels when performing their duties. Therefore, they are at risk of develop WBV health effects. Objective: This study aimed at assessing vibration levels and reported health effects among workers in Ubungo 1 power plant in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Material and Methods: A cross section study was conducted among 70 workers exposed to vibrations in Ubungo 1 Power Plant in Dar es Salaam. Vibro-meter connected to accelerometer (SD-8205) was used to measure vibrations magnitude on engines and walk through floor. Distances were measured using Meter rule. Structured questionnaire were used to elicit information on WBV health effects among workers. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, and Chi Square used to prove the association between variables. Results: Among workers participated in the study, women were 13(18.6%) and men were 57(81.4%). Workers in production area reported experience WBV health effects such as 68.2% abdominal rumbling, 63.6% abdominal pain, 52.3% low back pain, 52.3% fatigue and 43.2% headache. Vibration produced by engines were within the recommended levels 27m/s 2 , while vibration measured on top walk-through 1 meter from engines were high above the recommended ELV of 1.15m/s 2 . Chi square analysis has shown association between vibration levels and WBV health effects experience by workers, such as low back pain 13(52%), abdominal pain 20(80%), sleep disturbances 7(27%), loss of balance 13(52%) and chest pain 14(56%) with statistical significant of p value <0.05. Conclusions and recommendations: Majority of workers reported experience WBV health effects they used to perform their duties in high vibration workplace. Therefore, Occupational health and safety department should conduct periodic monitoring of vibration in the workplace and communicate with workers through different safety signs