Noise and vibration

Noise and vibration are among the most common and significant occupational hazards in the working environment and represent an important occupational health and public health concern. This textbook provides a systematic overview of the fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge related to noise and vibration, their health effects, risk assessment, and preventive measures.

The first part covers the anatomy and physiology of the auditory system, the basic characteristics of sound and noise, sources and prevalence of occupational noise exposure, as well as methods for measuring and assessing exposure. Particular attention is given to the legal framework and occupational exposure limits applicable in the Republic of Srpska. The second part addresses the health consequences of noise exposure, including the mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss, occupational deafness, and other adverse effects of noise on human health. Principles of workers’ health surveillance, diagnostic procedures, and criteria for the assessment of work ability are also presented.

The third part focuses on vibration as an important occupational hazard. It describes the basic characteristics of vibration, the prevalence of occupational exposure, methods of measurement and risk assessment, and the effects of vibration on various organ systems. Special emphasis is placed on disorders associated with hand–arm vibration and whole-body vibration. In addition to health-related aspects, the textbook presents the current regulations and standards governing protection against vibration in the Republic of Srpska and the Republic of Serbia.

The textbook is primarily intended for students of sanitary engineering, but it is also suitable for medical students, residents in occupational medicine, physicians, occupational safety professionals, and other experts involved in the assessment, control, and prevention of occupational risks. The content is aligned with contemporary scientific evidence and current regulations, providing readers with a reliable foundation for understanding and improving the protection of workers exposed to noise and vibration.