Abstract:
Objective To evaluate fatigue levels among stone carving workers.
Conclusion An occupational hazards survey was carried out in a stone carving plant, and the labor intensity and the fatigue degree of occupational workers (n=50) and control workers (n=40) were evaluated.
Results The concentrations of dust were 23.33-125.33 mg/m3, and respirable dust accounted for 66.0%-78.9% of total dust. The 8-hour equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure levels were 90.0-104.0 dB(A). Stone curving work was identified as moderate intensity physical labor according to heart rate. The total fatigue score of the occupational workers was (18.78& #177;7.02), and the scores of factor A (physical symptoms), B (mental symptoms), and C (nerve system symptoms) were (7.36& #177;2.66), (6.46& #177;2.19), and (5.28& #177;2.08), respectively, indicating moderate level of fatigue and significantly higher than those of the control group (P< 0.01).
Conclusion Outstanding occupational hazards of dust and noise are detected in the stone curving plant, which can lead to moderate-level fatigue among occupational workers.