STRATEGIES FOR INDUSTRY: ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS IN NOISE CONTROL AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Implementing comprehensive noise management plans in every organisation is not just a task; it is also a responsibility to maintain a productive and healthy atmosphere in the work environment. By upholding minimal noise exposure levels, we directly contribute to safeguarding workers' health and well-being, a mission that should drive our every action. Many studies have confirmed that, nowadays, exposure to noise at the workplace is, in most cases, above the proposed level. On the other hand, employees are also exposed to other physical stressors whose minimal variations affect productive capacity, social relations and employee health. In the context of Industry 5.0, it is crucial to adopt strategies that prioritise the well-being and comfort of employees. This human-centred approach enhances potency and fosters a sense of added value for workers, making them an integral part of an organization which improves resilience and a broader focus on sustainability. The paper analyses noise across 13 different industries, particularly emphasising the excessive sound pressure levels experienced by workers. It also delves into the critical values of 1/3 octave frequency that might harm different aspects of workers' health. In addition to this, worker satisfaction in standard and open-plan offices will also be considered. Particular emphasis will be placed on exploring diverse engineering solutions to minimise noise exposure, alongside conducting risk assessments in scenarios where preventive protection measures are not implemented for specific reasons.