Objective: We examined time-trends in Occupational Noise Standard violations by OSHA region and industry type over 48 years.
Methods: Along with descriptive analysis of original data, negative binomial regression and Poisson regression were applied to the analysis of 1972 to 2019 and 1972 to 2012 data, respectively.
Results: A small annual decrease in violation units over the periods was revealed. The three analyses produced differing timetrends. The manufacturing industry had more violations, and Region 4 had the most violations. Regarding numbers of units, the 10 regions and 2 industries were jointly significant. Some interaction between regions and industry types appeared in both regressions.
Conclusions: OSHA should specify how many regions report noise violations each year to ensure accurate identification of noise-related health risks to American workers. Further time-trend studies are needed for specific regions and industry types.