Automated noise exposure assessment model for the health of construction workers

Although construction noise negatively affects both residents near construction sites and on-site workers, the health issues of construction workers exposed to high noise for a long time are often considered less important than those of residents who file civil complaints. Accordingly, this study developed an automated noise exposure assessment model to enhance the health of construction workers. Therefore, a model was developed to predict the noise level in real time, considering the equipment and work types at construction sites, and to automatically assess the noise exposure of the workers in the short and long terms. A case study conducted showed that conventional regulation standards should be strengthened to have an impact on the health of construction workers. The developed model can help construction companies manage construction noise and protect construction workers from excessive noise by providing scientific evidence of noise exposure to policymakers committed to guaranteeing the health of workers.