The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 4, Issue 11 (June 1, 1930)
Noise and Accidents
Noise and Accidents.
This is demonstrated by perusing the “First Aid” book at Otahuhu. One is struck by the lack of serious accidents listed, but impressed by the number of slight accidents to hands and eyes. An investigation showed that the operators gave as reasons: “The tool slipped.” “Finger got caught on the wheel.” “Sparks rose when I didn't expect them.” “The goggles are uncomfortable;” and so on. The answers bear out what has been said in respect to the relationship between noise, fatigue and late or incorrect motor responses (or movements).
Through the courtesy of the Manager of the Otahuhu Workshops, figures which have a definite bearing on this aspect can be quoted. Selections made at random from sheets, show the relationship of accidents as follows:—
Date. | Time. | Steel Shop Accidents. | Other Shops. |
June 12th | 8–9 | 2 | 2 |
June 12th | 9–10 | 7 | Nil |
June 12th | 10–11 | 2 | Nil |
June 12th | 11–12 | 2 | 1 |
June 12th | 12.30–1 | Nil | 1 |
June 12th | 1–2 | 2 | Nil |
June 12th | 2–3 | Nil | 1 |
June 12th | 3–4 | 2 | Nill |
Oct. 22nd | 7.30–9 | 5 | Nil |
Oct. 22nd | 10–11 | 1 | 1 |
Oct. 22nd | 11–12 | 3 | Nil |
Oct. 22nd | 12.30–2 | 3 | Nil |
Oct. 22nd | 2–3 | 3 | Nil |
Oct. 22nd | 3–4 | 3 | 1 |
An analysis of the sheets indicates clearly that it is neither equipment in the shop nor carelessness on the part of the worker that throws the great incidence of cuts, foreign bodies in eyes or similar small accidents, to the account of the steel shops. But rather is it the noise, which is inseparable from the work, reacting on the nervous system, which, in turn, produces conditions suitable for mishaps.