The effect of occupational training provided to workers in a glass factory on their use of ear protectors

Objectives. This study aimed to determine the effect of occupational training applied to workers working in noisy parts of a glass factory on the use of ear protectors. Methods. The study was a semi-experimental pre-test and post-test design. It was carried out with 45 workers determined by purposeful sampling and working in a glass production factory who accepted to participate in the study. The data were collected with an information form and noise-related symptom chart, hearing health information questionnaire and observation. In the analysis of the study data, the number/percentage, chi(2) test, Cohen kappa test and analysis of variance were used. Results. It was determined that workers pre training did not use ear protectors (100%) and there were some noise-related health complaints. There was an increase in using ear protectors (57.8%) and a decrease in their health complaints post training. It was also found that the workers' pre-training hearing health information questionnaire mean score was 11.46 +/- 3.20, and post training was 13.77 +/- 3.42 in the first month and 15.77 +/- 2.88 in the fourth month. Conclusions. Occupational training provided to the workers increased the workers' awareness level and their rate of wearing ear protectors, and health problems caused by work-related noise started to recover.