Evaluating the impact of environmental noise pollution on construction worker productivity in Peshawar, Pakistan: Justifying enforcement of noise regulation policies in the construction sector

Muhammad Tariq Bashir, Awais Khan, Raid Alrowais, Muhammad Ali Sikandar, Md. Munir Hayet Khan, Bakht Zamin, Faizan Farid

Article ID: 6384
Vol 8, Issue 9, 2024

VIEWS - 1622 (Abstract)

Abstract


Noise pollution in construction sites is a significant concern, impacting worker health, safety, communication, and productivity. The current study aims to assess the paramount consequences of ambient noise pollution on construction activities and workers’ productivity in Peshawar, Pakistan. Noise measurements have been recorded at four different construction sites in Peshawar at different times of the day. Statistical analysis and Relative Importance Index (RII) are employed to evaluate the data Risk variables, such as equipment maintenance, noise control, increased workload, material handling challenges, quality control issues, and client satisfaction. The results indicated that noise levels often exceeded permissible limits, particularly in the afternoon, posing significant worker risks. In addition, RII analysis identified communication difficulties, safety hazards, and decreased productivity as significant issues. The results show that noise pollution is directly linked with safety risks, decreased performance, and client dissatisfaction and needs immediate attention by authorities. This paper proposes a strategic policy framework, recommending uniform hand signals and visual communication methods without noise for workers, worker training about safety, and using wearable devices in noisy settings. Communication training for teams and crane operators, proactive quality control, and customer-oriented project schedules are also proposed. These recommendations aim to mitigate the adverse effects of noise pollution, enhance construction industry resilience, and improve overall operational efficiency, worker safety, and client satisfaction in the construction sector of Peshawar, aligning with policy and sustainable development objectives.


Keywords


construction industry; ambient noise pollution; sustainable development; Relative Importance Index (RII); safety hazards; consumer behavior; communication strategies; risk variables; noise regulation enforcement; noise management

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd.v8i9.6384

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