Can FMA (Noise) 1989 Prevent Occupational NoiseInduced Hearing Loss? An Evaluation using Fault Tree Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31436/imjm.v18i3.194Abstract
Introduction: Factory and Machinery Act (Noise Exposure) Regulation 1989 (FMA [Noise] 1989) has been implemented in Malaysia for nearly 30 years, but noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) cases is still rising. Fault tree analysis is a top-down approach to analyzing incidences of 'failures', starting with establishing the single top event that will eventually cause NIHL, followed by identification of the contributing factors to the top event which are the immediate or basic events. Through its visual, structural and deductive approach; FTA is able to depict the temporal sequence of events and their interactions in a formal and logical hierarchy. Materials and Methods: Employees with permanent standard threshold shifts (PSTS) underwent further assessment confirming the presence of NIHL. A single common fault tree was constructed based on six cases of PSTS. The top event is the PSTS. Intermediate and basic events were identified and mapped with relevance to the provisions in the FMA (noise) 1989 indicating how failed control measures have resulted in the PSTS cases. Results: The constructed fault tree with its branches illustrated how breach or noncompliance of FMA (Noise) 1989 resulted in the eventual top event (NIHL). Conclusion: FTA provides a standardized perspective of errors within the system in preventing NIHL.
Downloads
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
All material submitted for publication is assumed to be submitted exclusively to the IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia (IMJM) unless the contrary is stated. Manuscript decisions are based on a double-blinded peer review process. The Editor retains the right to determine the style and if necessary, edit and shorten any material accepted for publication.
IMJM retain copyright to all the articles published in the journal. All final ‘proof’ submissions must be accompanied by a completed Copyright Assignment Form, duly signed by all authors. The author(s) or copyright owner(s) irrevocably grant(s) to any third party, in advance and in perpetuity, the right to use, reproduce or disseminate the research article in its entirety or in part, in any format or medium, provided that no substantive errors are introduced in the process, proper attribution of authorship and correct citation details are given, and that the bibliographic details are not changed. If the article is reproduced or disseminated in part, this must be clearly and unequivocally indicated.
