Noise exposure level of the drivers of heavy duty diesel trucks

Noise exposure is a key factor that influences the health and performance of truck drivers. This study measured the in-cab noise level status of 20 new, 2007 or 2008 model heavy-duty diesel trucks from four different manufacturers under actual driving conditions. Overall in-cab noise levels were found to be below 8-hour NIOSH (The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) and OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) standard limit values. Results indicated slightly higher noise levels occurred while driving on the federal interstate when compared to driving on the state highway. It is believed that noise from tires, engine and wind impacting the cab at higher road speeds contributed to the elevated noise levels measured during interstate travel because speed limits are higher on the interstate than on state highways. These results could serve as baseline data from which future similar studies may determine if truck designs have changed the existing state of these conditions for truck drivers.