By: Joseph Jones

Workers (People) whenever, I write on this topic of occupational safety and health, I am aware not only of it being very complex in the challenges it poses but also and very particularly, the interest which the subject arouses (emotion to awaken) you  at the workplaces coupled with your realities.

Workers, listen to me as well as the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades & Labour Union. You have to believe and be committed to your health and safety and this will come from unity and integration of all workers (people).

Hello! My writings and language clearly reveal that this Union will not rest until this topic is obtained in St. Kitts-Nevis and at all the workplaces and you the workers should not have it any other way.

Let me move on. I have been asked by a very good friend and worker to give him a run down about the topic of ‘Noise’. As many of you are aware, I have already covered this topic in previous articles but since he is continually requesting this of me then here I go again.

Noise is described as unwanted sound. In addition to causing annoyance, it may interfere with working efficiency by inducing stress and disturbing concentration especially where the work is difficult and highly-skilled. It may be the cause of accidents and in particular, it may damage hearing. Also, listen this my friend: Hearing is an important sense which helps us establish contact with our surroundings. If we lose our hearing or have it reduced then we find it difficult to understand normal speech, difficulty in understanding what supervisors and workmates say, and in understanding sound signals, you may also suffer from a feeling of isolation (alone) due to not being able to participate in discussions during conversations with workmates during time off. It is a handicap (physically and mentally disabled). People who have this problem need more rest and relaxation than normal because you are suffering from reduced hearing/deafness must often use ALL your energy to do your job.

*Note Well* I am making it emphatically clear again- Pneumatic drills that operate by compressed air give rise to a very high level of noise. Apart from that, they also vibrate so strongly that they affect the blood circulation and injure muscles and joints. You hear that my friend? These are some challenges before us, so I am saying to you: Don’t be weighed in the balance and found wanting.

Thanking you.