In a recent study published in the journal ‘Scientific Reports’ (translated from Chinese as ‘Nature Scientific Reports’), researchers led by Yifei Wang from the Innovation Institute for Sustainable Maritime Architecture Research and Technology at Qingdao University of Technology have shed light on the global health burden and inequality patterns of occupational noise exposure from 1990 to 2019. The findings are particularly relevant to maritime professionals, as the industry is known for its high noise levels and potential health impacts on workers.
The study reveals that low-income and rapidly industrializing countries bear a higher burden of occupational noise-related diseases. This is a significant concern for maritime sectors in these regions, where noise exposure can lead to hearing loss, stress, and other health issues among workers. The research indicates that males and middle-aged to elderly populations are the primary high-risk groups, with a notable increase in the burden among those aged 45–74.
One of the key findings is that the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) significantly decreased with increasing sociodemographic index (SDI), which measures a country’s overall development. However, the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) showed significant positive correlations with both DALYs and SDI. This means that while overall health outcomes improve with development, the rate of change in noise-related health burdens can vary.
“Regions with an SDI of 0.4–0.6 experienced the most pronounced EAPC growth,” noted Yifei Wang, the lead author of the study. This finding highlights the need for targeted interventions in these regions to mitigate the health impacts of occupational noise exposure.
By 2035, DALYs rates are projected to decrease to 125.0±1.9 per 100,000, although the burden for individuals aged 65 and above is expected to increase significantly. Population growth and aging were identified as key drivers of DALYs increases, contributing 68.2% and 20.9%, respectively. This trend underscores the importance of addressing noise exposure in an aging workforce, particularly in maritime sectors where older workers are common.
The study also found that the slope inequality index changed from −9.6 to 2.5, and the concentration index curve became smoother. While health inequality has improved, the disease burden in low-SDI countries remains significantly higher than theoretical minimum levels. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for maritime sectors to implement better health and safety measures.
For maritime professionals, the study underscores the need for robust hearing protection programs, regular health screenings, and the adoption of noise-reducing technologies. Companies operating in low-income and rapidly industrializing regions should pay particular attention to these findings, as they are likely to face higher health burdens and potential regulatory scrutiny.
In summary, the study provides robust support for reducing global occupational noise exposure and its associated health inequalities. For the maritime industry, this means a call to action to improve worker health and safety, particularly in regions with lower SDI levels. By addressing these issues proactively, maritime sectors can not only improve worker well-being but also enhance operational efficiency and compliance with international health and safety standards.