The assessment of occupational health hazard of noise generated from grain mills in Bera, Karaofi and Magami areas of Jalingo metropolis of Taraba state in North-East region of Nigeria has been carried out. The objective of the study was to evaluate the level of occupational noise exposure among grain mill workers and customers and to determine compliance with recommended occupational safety standards. A total of 45 grain mill workers were interviewed, comprising 15 workers each from Bera, Karaofi, and Magami, to obtain information on working hours, exposure duration, and the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE). A descriptive statistical tool (Simple percentage) was used to analyse the results. The results indicate that the mean noise generated from Bera, Karaofi and Magami grain mills are 100.3 dB, with exposure of 12 h per day, 89.35 dB with exposure of 12 hours per day and 99.8 dB with exposure of 7 hours per day respectively. The noise generated from these grain mills exceed the permissible exposure limit recommended by national institute of occupational health association and occupational health safety administration of 85 dB The implication of the results is that all the grain mills workers in jalingo metropolis are susceptible to Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The results of the noise at grinding, packaging and conveyors at each location also exceed the recommended exposure limit which makes the customers also vulnerable to health hazards. The findings also show that almost all the grain mill workers in the selected areas work over eight hours per day. The result also indicates that 86.7% of the grain mills workers were not provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) such as ear mufflers, vibrator dampers. The results also reveal that most of the machines used in grain mill are obsolete thereby making them to generate more noise than necessary. It was also discovered that none of the site visited uses noise damper in their grain mills. This placed the workers on high risk of noise- induce hearing loss and other health hazard associated with prolonged noise exposure such as high blood pressure, stress, hypertension, fatigue, reduced productivity, and difficulties in communication.
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Health Hazard, Noise-induced Hearing Loss, Susceptible, Grain Mills, Vibrator Dampers
1. Introduction
Grain mills are machines or devices used to crush, grind or pulverize cereal grains such as wheat, corn, rice, oats and barley into flour, meal or other products. Grain mills have been an essential in human civilization for thousands of years, enabling people to process grains into food that is easier to cook, store and digest. Grain mills can be categorized into manual grain mills (hand operated), mechanical (power) grain mills and modern electric grain mills. Grain mills are common in many local communities and are essential for food processing. However, the machinery used in grain mills generates high levels of noise.
Prolonged exposure to noise generated by these machines can lead to hearing loss. Chronic noise disturbance may contribute to impacts such as stress, disrupt sleep, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and cognitive impairment in children
[10]
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Permissible Noise Level Recommended for Eight Hours of Work per Day. 1993.
[10]
.
In Jalingo metropolis, Taraba State, small and medium-scale grain mills operate without adequate noise control measures. Workers spend several hours daily near machines, often without ear protection, thereby increasing their risk of hearing impairment.
Despite this, limited scientific studies have focused on quantifying occupational noise levels in grain mills, particularly in medium-sized cities like Jalingo. A systematic assessment of the noise level generated in grain mills in Jalingo metropolis is therefore necessary to highlight the extent of noise exposure and its health implications in Jalingo grain mills which is the essence of this research.
Noise is an unwanted or harmful sound that interferes with health and comfort. In occupational settings, exposure to high levels of noise is a recognized hazard that can cause physiological and psychological impacts
[7]
World Health Organization. (2010). Occupational noise: Assessing the burden of disease from work-related hearing impairment. Geneva: WHO.
[7]
. The International Labour Organization
[4]
International Labour Organization. (2015). Safety and health in agriculture. Geneva: ILO.
[4]
emphasizes that exposure to noise levels above 85 decibels (dB) for more than 8 hours daily significantly increase the risk of hearing impairment. Occupational noise is therefore considered a leading environmental stressor in industrial and semi-industrial workplaces. Agro-processing industries in developing countries are characterized by small-scale operations with limited adherence to occupational safety standards. Grain milling, in particular, involves the use of diesel- and electrically-powered machines that generate continuous high-pitched noise. Studies have shown that milling machines typically produce between 90 and 110 dB, exceeding the recommended occupational exposure limits
[5]
Nwankwo, F. O., and Udo, J. E. (2018). Noise pollution and occupational health risks among grain processors. Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health, 72(4), 212–220.
[5]
.
In advanced economies, modern noise control technologies such as machine enclosures and silencers have reduced exposure levels. In contrast, Nigerian mills often operate with poorly maintained machines and without protective devices, thereby making workers more vulnerable to occupational noise hazards
[6]
Ogunjimi, S. I., & Adekoya, J. A. (2014). Workplace hazards and safety practices in agro-processing industries in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Technological Development, 11(1), 45–52.
[6]
.
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the most widely reported consequence of occupational noise exposure. Prolonged exposure to high decibel levels causes irreversible damage to the cochlea, resulting in progressive hearing impairment
[1]
Akinbode, O. O., and Adejumo, A. O. (2012). Noise-induced hearing loss among grain mill workers in Ibadan, Nigeria. African Journal of Health Sciences, 19(3), 123–129.
[1]
. Other health effects linked to noise exposure include stress, hypertension, fatigue, reduced productivity, and difficulties in communication
[2]
Aliyu, M., and Shehu, A. (2016). Noise exposure and hearing impairment among small-scale mill workers in Kano. Nigerian Medical Journal, 57(2), 97–103.
[2]
.
Globally, occupational noise is estimated to contribute to about 16% of disabling hearing loss, with the burden particularly high in developing countries where regulatory enforcement is weak
[7]
World Health Organization. (2010). Occupational noise: Assessing the burden of disease from work-related hearing impairment. Geneva: WHO.
[7]
. In Nigeria, lack of awareness and minimal use of personal protective equipment (PPE) exacerbate these risks.
Several studies have documented excessive noise exposure among grain mill workers in Nigeria. In Ibadan, Akinbode, O. O., and Adejumo, A. O
[1]
Akinbode, O. O., and Adejumo, A. O. (2012). Noise-induced hearing loss among grain mill workers in Ibadan, Nigeria. African Journal of Health Sciences, 19(3), 123–129.
[1]
reported that average noise levels in grain mills ranged between 92 and 108 dB, with more than half of the workers showing early signs of NIHL. Similarly, Aliyu and Shehu (2016) found that workers in small-scale mills in Kano were routinely exposed to noise levels above 100 dB, far above the safe threshold.
In Ilorin,
[3]
Bello, R. S., Lawal, A. F., & Adebayo, K. (2017). Noise exposure and related health problems among maize mill workers in Ilorin, Nigeria. International Journal of Occupational Health and Safety, 5(1), 56–63.
[3]
observed strong correlations between daily noise exposure and complaints of headaches, dizziness, and reduced concentration among grain mill workers. These findings consistently suggest that grain milling is among the noisiest occupations in Nigeria.
The WHO and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
[8]
International Occupational Hygiene Association. Resources. Hazards. 2020. [cited February 12, 2022 Last accessed on March 12, 2022]. Available from:
recommend 85 dB as the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for occupational noise over an 8-hour work shift
[7]
World Health Organization. (2010). Occupational noise: Assessing the burden of disease from work-related hearing impairment. Geneva: WHO.
[7]
. For every 3 dB increase above this threshold, the allowable exposure duration is halved. Despite these standards, Nigeria lacks strong enforcement mechanisms. Most grain mill workers do not use hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs, and employers rarely implement engineering controls such as regular machine maintenance or acoustic barriers
[6]
Ogunjimi, S. I., & Adekoya, J. A. (2014). Workplace hazards and safety practices in agro-processing industries in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Technological Development, 11(1), 45–52.
[6]
.
Existing studies in Nigeria have examined occupational noise hazards in large cities such as Ibadan, Kano, and Ilorin
[1]
Akinbode, O. O., and Adejumo, A. O. (2012). Noise-induced hearing loss among grain mill workers in Ibadan, Nigeria. African Journal of Health Sciences, 19(3), 123–129.
[2]
Aliyu, M., and Shehu, A. (2016). Noise exposure and hearing impairment among small-scale mill workers in Kano. Nigerian Medical Journal, 57(2), 97–103.
[1, 2]
and
[3]
Bello, R. S., Lawal, A. F., & Adebayo, K. (2017). Noise exposure and related health problems among maize mill workers in Ilorin, Nigeria. International Journal of Occupational Health and Safety, 5(1), 56–63.
[3]
. However, there is limited or no research on noise hazards in medium-sized cities such as Jalingo, despite the increasing number of small-scale mills and the rising demand for grain processing. The absence of localized data creates a challenge for policymakers and occupational health practitioners to design context-specific interventions for Taraba State.
This study will provide the first documented evidence of occupational noise exposure levels in grain mills within Jalingo metropolis of Taraba state in particular and north east zone in general.
A study by
[11]
Boateng CA, Amedofu GK. Industrial noise pollution and its effect on the hearing capabilities of workers: A study from sawmills, printing presses, and corn mills. Afr J Health Sci. 2004; 11: 55–60.
[11]
found that the noise level at corn mills exceeded the limit of 85 dB as recommended by the Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA)
[9]
Alli BO. Fundamental Principles of Occupational Health and Safety. Geneva: International Lab 2nd edition 2008.
[9]
and National Institute for Occupational Safety Health (NIOSHA).
Obiefuna JN
[12]
Obiefuna JN, Kuba JB, Obieguna CJ. Acoustic over-exposure versus human health: A case study of Dangote flour mill, Calabar, Cross River state. Environ Pollut Protect. 2018; 3: 1–12.
[12]
carried out research on the level of noise generated in flour mills and summarized that workers were also exposed to high noise levels. They suggested that the problem of level of noise generated in the flour mills should be taken seriously because acoustic over exposure among flour mill workers can significantly affect workers’ health.
Table 1 shows the recommended exposure noise level by NIOSHA and permissible exposure noise level by OSHA over duration of time.
Table 1. Recommended exposure noise level by NIOSHA and OSHA.
Duration per Day (hours)
OSHA PEL (dB)
NIOSH REL (dB)
8
90
85
6
92
86
4
95
88
3
97
89
2
100
91
1.5
102
92
1
105
94
0.5
110
97
0.25
115
100
Source: IOHA, 2020.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Materials
The materials used to execute the project work are:
1) Sound Level Meter, (Dosimeter)
2) Measuring tape
The equipment used for the research work are:
1) ear mufflers
2) Helmet
3) Hand gloves
4) Overall
5) Safety boots
2.2. Methods
The sound level metre (Dosimeter) was used to measure the noise level at grain mills in different locations. The distance of the grinding maching from the operator, customers and were measured using metre rule. Three mill grinding locations within Jalingo Local government area were selected as the study sites with fifteen respondents from each location making a total of forty-five respondent altogether. The sites include Bera, Karaofi and Magami. Questionnaires were administered to the workers in this work sites to obtain information on the number of hours per day per week they are exposed to noise. The workers were also asked on whether they use personal protective equipment (PPE) or not. Simple percentage was used to analyse the results. Other information obtained from the grain mill workers are whether they have any hearing issues or not and also if they do carry out regular check up on their ears. The noise level within the working area was measured and the Mean Noise level was calculated. The measured noise level from each locations was compared to the recommended noise limit by National Institute for Operational Safety Health (NIOSH) and OSAH to determine whether the noise level exposed to by the grain mill workers in Jalingo Local government area is within the permissible noise level or not. Appropriate recommendations are made based on the results.
3. Results and Discussions
Table 2. Grain Mills Location and Noise Level at Different Points.
Location
Replicate 1
Replicate 2
Replicate 3
Replicate 4
Average dba m
noise (db)
Distance (m)
noise (db)
distance (m)
noise (db)
distance (m)
noise (db)
distance (m)
noise (db)
distance (m)
Bera grain mills
108.7
0
101.9
130
99.3
240
91.3
350
100.3
180.0
Karaofi grain mills
89.8
0
96.1
110
83.8
230
79.7
320
89.35
165
Magami grain mills
103.6
0
100.0
180
98.1
300
97.5
320
99.8
200
Source: research survey, 2025
Table 2 shows the results of noise generated and distance from noise source at grain mills located at Bera, Karaofi and Magami areas of Jalingo metropolis of Taraba state. The measurements of distances are taken from the engine to the operator, conveyor and packaging points. The results show that a noise level of 108.7 at the engine point, 101.9 at a distance of 130 m from the engine point, 99.3 dB at a distance of 240 m from the engine point and 91.3 DBA at a distance of 350 m from the engine point at BERA grain mills. The results also show a noise level of 89.8DB at the engine point, 96.1 at a distance of 110 m from the engine point, 83.8 dB at a distance of 230 m from the engine point and 79.7 B at a distance of 320 m from the engine point at Karaofi grain mills. The results at Magami grain mills indicate a noise level of 103.0 at the engine point, 100.0 at a distance of 130 m from the engine point, 98.1dB at a distance of 300 m from the engine point and 97.5 dB at a distance of 320 m from the engine point. All the results show that the farther away from the noise source the lesser the noise in all the sampled grain mills.
Table 3. Grain Mills Location and Hours of Exposure to Noise Per Day.
S/N
LOCATIONS
DURATION (HOURS/DAY)
NOISE LEVEL (dB)
Distance from noise source (M)
1
BERA
12
100.3
180
2
KARAOFI
12
89.35
165
3
MAGAMI
7
99.8
200
Source: research survey, 2025
Table 4. Percentage of workers that use PPE.
LOCATION / NO OF WORKERS
BERA (15)
KARAOFI (15)
MAGAMI (15)
TOTAL (45)
PERCENTAGE (%)
HAVE NO PPE
2
1
3
6
13.3
HAVE PPE
13
14
12
39
86.7
Source: field survey
Table 3 shows the grain mills locations and their hours of exposure to noise per day. The results indicate that the mean noise generated from BERA, Karaofi and Magami grain mills are 100.3 DBA, with exposure of 12 h per day, 89.35 DBA with exposure of 12 hours per day and 99.8 DBA with exposure of 7 hours per day respectively. The noise generated from these grain mills exceed the permissible exposure limit recommended by national institute of occupational health association (NIOSHA) of 90 dB and recommended exposure level of 85dB by occupational health safety administration (OSHA) for a minimum of 8 hours daily exposure as shown in Table 1. The implication of the results is that all the grain mills workers in jalingo metropolis are susceptible to Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The results of the noise at grinding, packaging and conveyors at all locations also exceed the recommended exposure limit which makes the customers also vulnerable to hearing health hazards. The finding is in agreement with the research carried out in Ibadan by Akinbode and Adejumo (2012) and reported that average noise levels in grain mills ranged between 92 and 108 dB with more than half of the workers showing early signs of NIHL. It is also in agreement with finding by Aliyu and Shehu (2016) that workers in small-scale mills in Kano were routinely exposed to noise levels above 100 dB, far above the safe threshold.
Table 5 shows the research questions administered in the selected locations and the responses from the grain mill workers. The results indicate that all the workers in the selected areas (BERA, KARAOFI and MAGAMI) are exposed to noise generated by the grain mills every day of the week. The results also indicate that most of the workers are exposed to noise from the grain mills for over ten years. The results indicates that only in Magami grain mills that make arrangement for shifting for workers while Bera and Karaofi do no run a shift. The responses from the workers also indicate that no worker in selected area uses personal protective equipments and non- of the workers visits hospital for ear checkup. The implication of the results is that grain mill workers in Jalingo metropolis are suffering from noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and other health risks associated with non-permissible noise. Prolonged exposure to high decibel levels also causes irreversible damage to the cochlea, resulting in progressive hearing impairment. Other health effects linked to noise exposure include stress, hypertension, fatigue, reduced productivity, and difficulties in communication. The results are again in agreement with that of Akinbode and Adejumo
[1]
Akinbode, O. O., and Adejumo, A. O. (2012). Noise-induced hearing loss among grain mill workers in Ibadan, Nigeria. African Journal of Health Sciences, 19(3), 123–129.
[1]
and Aliyu and Shehu
[2]
Aliyu, M., and Shehu, A. (2016). Noise exposure and hearing impairment among small-scale mill workers in Kano. Nigerian Medical Journal, 57(2), 97–103.
[2]
.
The results also corroborate the report of WHO
[7]
World Health Organization. (2010). Occupational noise: Assessing the burden of disease from work-related hearing impairment. Geneva: WHO.
[7]
that occupational noise is estimated to contribute to about 16% of disabling hearing loss globally, with the burden particularly high in developing countries where regulatory enforcement is weak. In Nigeria, lack of awareness and minimal use of personal protective equipment (PPE) exacerbate these risks.
Table 5. Research Questions at Different Locations and Workers Responses.
S/N
QUESTIONS
ANSWERS
LOCATIONS
BERA
KARAOFI
MAGAMI
1
How many days of the week do you come to work?
EVERYDAY
EVERYDAY
EVERY DAY
2
How many hours do you spend each day?
12 hours
12 hours
7 hours
3
How long have you been working here?
10 yrs
8 yrs
17 yrs
4
Do you do shifting?
YES
YES
No
5
Do you have Personal protective equipment (PPE)?
NO
NO
NO
6
Do you use PPE?
NO
NO
NO
7
Have you gone for ear check before
NO
NO
NO
8
How often do you go?
9
Do you know someone who worked in grain mill?
YES
YES
YES
10
Do you know if such person has ear problem?
YES
NO
NO
11
What type of health challenges
NOT HEARING WELL
NO
NO
Source: research survey, 2025
4. Conclusion and Recommendation
4.1. Conclusion
The assessment of occupational health hazard of noise generated from grain mills in Bera, Karaofi and Magami areas of Jalingo metropolis of Taraba state in north east region of Nigeria has been carried out. The results indicate that the mean noise generated from Bera, Karaofi and Magami grain mills are 100.3 dB, with exposure of 12 h per day, 89.35 dB with exposure of 12 hours per day and 99.8 dB with exposure of 7 hours per day respectively. The noise generated from these grain mills exceed the permissible exposure limit recommended by national institute of occupational health association and occupational health safety administration of 85 dB. The findings also show that almost all the grain mill workers in the selected areas work for over eight hours per day. The result also indicates that 86.7% of the grain mill workers were not provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) such as ear mufflers and vibrator dampers while the 13.3 that were provided with the PPE did not use them. The implication of this result is that there was little or no awareness on the use of PPE among the grain mill workers in Jalingo metropolis. This places the workers on high risk of noise- induced hearing loss and other health hazard associated with prolonged noise exposure such as high blood pressure, stress, hypertension, fatigue, reduced productivity, and difficulties in hearing.
The results also reveal that most of the machines used in grain mill are obsolete thereby making them to generate more noise than necessary.
4.2. Recommendation
Based on the research findings, the following recommendations are hereby made;
1) Grain mills in Jalingo metropolis should be monitored to ensure that noise enclosures and
2) vibration dampers are provided to reduce the level of noise being generated there. Regular maintenance should also be carried out on the machines as this gesture will also reduce the level of noise generated drastically.
3) The exposure time should be reduced by introducing shift rotations for the worker.
4) Workers of grain mills should be provided with personal protective equipment such as ear mufflers and enforce to use them.
5) Workers of grain mills should be educated on hearing safety and encouraged to carry out regular hearing tests.
Abbreviations
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment
dB
Decibel
NIHL
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
OSHA
Occupational Health Safety Administration
Author Contributions
Ogwuche Christian Ike: Conceptualization, Resources, Visualization, Validation, Supervision
Paul Ushiki Adamu: Funding acquisition, Data curation
Agidike Lawrence Ochonu: Formal analysis, Methodology
Julius Thaddeus: Investigation, Project administration
Agbu Joseph: Writing – review & editing
Imurana Dan Asebe: Investigation, Writing – original draft
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.
References
[1]
Akinbode, O. O., and Adejumo, A. O. (2012). Noise-induced hearing loss among grain mill workers in Ibadan, Nigeria. African Journal of Health Sciences, 19(3), 123–129.
[2]
Aliyu, M., and Shehu, A. (2016). Noise exposure and hearing impairment among small-scale mill workers in Kano. Nigerian Medical Journal, 57(2), 97–103.
[3]
Bello, R. S., Lawal, A. F., & Adebayo, K. (2017). Noise exposure and related health problems among maize mill workers in Ilorin, Nigeria. International Journal of Occupational Health and Safety, 5(1), 56–63.
[4]
International Labour Organization. (2015). Safety and health in agriculture. Geneva: ILO.
[5]
Nwankwo, F. O., and Udo, J. E. (2018). Noise pollution and occupational health risks among grain processors. Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health, 72(4), 212–220.
[6]
Ogunjimi, S. I., & Adekoya, J. A. (2014). Workplace hazards and safety practices in agro-processing industries in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Technological Development, 11(1), 45–52.
[7]
World Health Organization. (2010). Occupational noise: Assessing the burden of disease from work-related hearing impairment. Geneva: WHO.
[8]
International Occupational Hygiene Association. Resources. Hazards. 2020. [cited February 12, 2022 Last accessed on March 12, 2022]. Available from:
Alli BO. Fundamental Principles of Occupational Health and Safety. Geneva: International Lab 2nd edition 2008.
[10]
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Permissible Noise Level Recommended for Eight Hours of Work per Day. 1993.
[11]
Boateng CA, Amedofu GK. Industrial noise pollution and its effect on the hearing capabilities of workers: A study from sawmills, printing presses, and corn mills. Afr J Health Sci. 2004; 11: 55–60.
[12]
Obiefuna JN, Kuba JB, Obieguna CJ. Acoustic over-exposure versus human health: A case study of Dangote flour mill, Calabar, Cross River state. Environ Pollut Protect. 2018; 3: 1–12.
Ike, O. C., Adamu, P. U., Ochonu, A. L., Thaddeus, J., Joseph, A., et al. (2026). Assessment of Occupational Noise Exposure in Local Grain Mills in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. Engineering and Applied Sciences, 11(2), 65-70. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eas.20261102.12
Ike, O. C.; Adamu, P. U.; Ochonu, A. L.; Thaddeus, J.; Joseph, A., et al. Assessment of Occupational Noise Exposure in Local Grain Mills in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. Eng. Appl. Sci.2026, 11(2), 65-70. doi: 10.11648/j.eas.20261102.12
Ike OC, Adamu PU, Ochonu AL, Thaddeus J, Joseph A, et al. Assessment of Occupational Noise Exposure in Local Grain Mills in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. Eng Appl Sci. 2026;11(2):65-70. doi: 10.11648/j.eas.20261102.12
@article{10.11648/j.eas.20261102.12,
author = {Ogwuche Christian Ike and Paul Ushiki Adamu and Agidike Lawrence Ochonu and Julius Thaddeus and Agbu Joseph and Imurana Dan Asebe},
title = {Assessment of Occupational Noise Exposure in Local Grain Mills in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria},
journal = {Engineering and Applied Sciences},
volume = {11},
number = {2},
pages = {65-70},
doi = {10.11648/j.eas.20261102.12},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eas.20261102.12},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.eas.20261102.12},
abstract = {The assessment of occupational health hazard of noise generated from grain mills in Bera, Karaofi and Magami areas of Jalingo metropolis of Taraba state in North-East region of Nigeria has been carried out. The objective of the study was to evaluate the level of occupational noise exposure among grain mill workers and customers and to determine compliance with recommended occupational safety standards. A total of 45 grain mill workers were interviewed, comprising 15 workers each from Bera, Karaofi, and Magami, to obtain information on working hours, exposure duration, and the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE). A descriptive statistical tool (Simple percentage) was used to analyse the results. The results indicate that the mean noise generated from Bera, Karaofi and Magami grain mills are 100.3 dB, with exposure of 12 h per day, 89.35 dB with exposure of 12 hours per day and 99.8 dB with exposure of 7 hours per day respectively. The noise generated from these grain mills exceed the permissible exposure limit recommended by national institute of occupational health association and occupational health safety administration of 85 dB The implication of the results is that all the grain mills workers in jalingo metropolis are susceptible to Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The results of the noise at grinding, packaging and conveyors at each location also exceed the recommended exposure limit which makes the customers also vulnerable to health hazards. The findings also show that almost all the grain mill workers in the selected areas work over eight hours per day. The result also indicates that 86.7% of the grain mills workers were not provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) such as ear mufflers, vibrator dampers. The results also reveal that most of the machines used in grain mill are obsolete thereby making them to generate more noise than necessary. It was also discovered that none of the site visited uses noise damper in their grain mills. This placed the workers on high risk of noise- induce hearing loss and other health hazard associated with prolonged noise exposure such as high blood pressure, stress, hypertension, fatigue, reduced productivity, and difficulties in communication.},
year = {2026}
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Assessment of Occupational Noise Exposure in Local Grain Mills in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria
AU - Ogwuche Christian Ike
AU - Paul Ushiki Adamu
AU - Agidike Lawrence Ochonu
AU - Julius Thaddeus
AU - Agbu Joseph
AU - Imurana Dan Asebe
Y1 - 2026/03/26
PY - 2026
N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eas.20261102.12
DO - 10.11648/j.eas.20261102.12
T2 - Engineering and Applied Sciences
JF - Engineering and Applied Sciences
JO - Engineering and Applied Sciences
SP - 65
EP - 70
PB - Science Publishing Group
SN - 2575-1468
UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eas.20261102.12
AB - The assessment of occupational health hazard of noise generated from grain mills in Bera, Karaofi and Magami areas of Jalingo metropolis of Taraba state in North-East region of Nigeria has been carried out. The objective of the study was to evaluate the level of occupational noise exposure among grain mill workers and customers and to determine compliance with recommended occupational safety standards. A total of 45 grain mill workers were interviewed, comprising 15 workers each from Bera, Karaofi, and Magami, to obtain information on working hours, exposure duration, and the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE). A descriptive statistical tool (Simple percentage) was used to analyse the results. The results indicate that the mean noise generated from Bera, Karaofi and Magami grain mills are 100.3 dB, with exposure of 12 h per day, 89.35 dB with exposure of 12 hours per day and 99.8 dB with exposure of 7 hours per day respectively. The noise generated from these grain mills exceed the permissible exposure limit recommended by national institute of occupational health association and occupational health safety administration of 85 dB The implication of the results is that all the grain mills workers in jalingo metropolis are susceptible to Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The results of the noise at grinding, packaging and conveyors at each location also exceed the recommended exposure limit which makes the customers also vulnerable to health hazards. The findings also show that almost all the grain mill workers in the selected areas work over eight hours per day. The result also indicates that 86.7% of the grain mills workers were not provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) such as ear mufflers, vibrator dampers. The results also reveal that most of the machines used in grain mill are obsolete thereby making them to generate more noise than necessary. It was also discovered that none of the site visited uses noise damper in their grain mills. This placed the workers on high risk of noise- induce hearing loss and other health hazard associated with prolonged noise exposure such as high blood pressure, stress, hypertension, fatigue, reduced productivity, and difficulties in communication.
VL - 11
IS - 2
ER -
Ike, O. C., Adamu, P. U., Ochonu, A. L., Thaddeus, J., Joseph, A., et al. (2026). Assessment of Occupational Noise Exposure in Local Grain Mills in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. Engineering and Applied Sciences, 11(2), 65-70. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eas.20261102.12
Ike, O. C.; Adamu, P. U.; Ochonu, A. L.; Thaddeus, J.; Joseph, A., et al. Assessment of Occupational Noise Exposure in Local Grain Mills in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. Eng. Appl. Sci.2026, 11(2), 65-70. doi: 10.11648/j.eas.20261102.12
Ike OC, Adamu PU, Ochonu AL, Thaddeus J, Joseph A, et al. Assessment of Occupational Noise Exposure in Local Grain Mills in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. Eng Appl Sci. 2026;11(2):65-70. doi: 10.11648/j.eas.20261102.12
@article{10.11648/j.eas.20261102.12,
author = {Ogwuche Christian Ike and Paul Ushiki Adamu and Agidike Lawrence Ochonu and Julius Thaddeus and Agbu Joseph and Imurana Dan Asebe},
title = {Assessment of Occupational Noise Exposure in Local Grain Mills in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria},
journal = {Engineering and Applied Sciences},
volume = {11},
number = {2},
pages = {65-70},
doi = {10.11648/j.eas.20261102.12},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eas.20261102.12},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.eas.20261102.12},
abstract = {The assessment of occupational health hazard of noise generated from grain mills in Bera, Karaofi and Magami areas of Jalingo metropolis of Taraba state in North-East region of Nigeria has been carried out. The objective of the study was to evaluate the level of occupational noise exposure among grain mill workers and customers and to determine compliance with recommended occupational safety standards. A total of 45 grain mill workers were interviewed, comprising 15 workers each from Bera, Karaofi, and Magami, to obtain information on working hours, exposure duration, and the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE). A descriptive statistical tool (Simple percentage) was used to analyse the results. The results indicate that the mean noise generated from Bera, Karaofi and Magami grain mills are 100.3 dB, with exposure of 12 h per day, 89.35 dB with exposure of 12 hours per day and 99.8 dB with exposure of 7 hours per day respectively. The noise generated from these grain mills exceed the permissible exposure limit recommended by national institute of occupational health association and occupational health safety administration of 85 dB The implication of the results is that all the grain mills workers in jalingo metropolis are susceptible to Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The results of the noise at grinding, packaging and conveyors at each location also exceed the recommended exposure limit which makes the customers also vulnerable to health hazards. The findings also show that almost all the grain mill workers in the selected areas work over eight hours per day. The result also indicates that 86.7% of the grain mills workers were not provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) such as ear mufflers, vibrator dampers. The results also reveal that most of the machines used in grain mill are obsolete thereby making them to generate more noise than necessary. It was also discovered that none of the site visited uses noise damper in their grain mills. This placed the workers on high risk of noise- induce hearing loss and other health hazard associated with prolonged noise exposure such as high blood pressure, stress, hypertension, fatigue, reduced productivity, and difficulties in communication.},
year = {2026}
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Assessment of Occupational Noise Exposure in Local Grain Mills in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria
AU - Ogwuche Christian Ike
AU - Paul Ushiki Adamu
AU - Agidike Lawrence Ochonu
AU - Julius Thaddeus
AU - Agbu Joseph
AU - Imurana Dan Asebe
Y1 - 2026/03/26
PY - 2026
N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eas.20261102.12
DO - 10.11648/j.eas.20261102.12
T2 - Engineering and Applied Sciences
JF - Engineering and Applied Sciences
JO - Engineering and Applied Sciences
SP - 65
EP - 70
PB - Science Publishing Group
SN - 2575-1468
UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eas.20261102.12
AB - The assessment of occupational health hazard of noise generated from grain mills in Bera, Karaofi and Magami areas of Jalingo metropolis of Taraba state in North-East region of Nigeria has been carried out. The objective of the study was to evaluate the level of occupational noise exposure among grain mill workers and customers and to determine compliance with recommended occupational safety standards. A total of 45 grain mill workers were interviewed, comprising 15 workers each from Bera, Karaofi, and Magami, to obtain information on working hours, exposure duration, and the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE). A descriptive statistical tool (Simple percentage) was used to analyse the results. The results indicate that the mean noise generated from Bera, Karaofi and Magami grain mills are 100.3 dB, with exposure of 12 h per day, 89.35 dB with exposure of 12 hours per day and 99.8 dB with exposure of 7 hours per day respectively. The noise generated from these grain mills exceed the permissible exposure limit recommended by national institute of occupational health association and occupational health safety administration of 85 dB The implication of the results is that all the grain mills workers in jalingo metropolis are susceptible to Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The results of the noise at grinding, packaging and conveyors at each location also exceed the recommended exposure limit which makes the customers also vulnerable to health hazards. The findings also show that almost all the grain mill workers in the selected areas work over eight hours per day. The result also indicates that 86.7% of the grain mills workers were not provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) such as ear mufflers, vibrator dampers. The results also reveal that most of the machines used in grain mill are obsolete thereby making them to generate more noise than necessary. It was also discovered that none of the site visited uses noise damper in their grain mills. This placed the workers on high risk of noise- induce hearing loss and other health hazard associated with prolonged noise exposure such as high blood pressure, stress, hypertension, fatigue, reduced productivity, and difficulties in communication.
VL - 11
IS - 2
ER -
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