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The control of
industrial noise and prevention of NID is difficult but not impossible. A
multi-pronged approach, involving regulatory, promotional and incentive
measures, is necessary to tackle the problem at the national level. The role
of regulatory bodies is to set and enforce standards, and provide the
infrastructure to facilitate noise control. The joint efforts of government,
the trade unions and employers’ organisations are needed to establish
effective noise control and hearing conservation programmes in industry.
Such efforts would yield the desired results if managements are committed
to protecting the health of their employees and appreciate that noise
control is sound business. While enforcement action may be needed get the
job done, promotional activities, incentives and recognition of efforts are
effective motivators.
Singapore has adopted a proactive, partnership approach in the control of
noise and prevention of NID. The measures and initiatives discussed have
been helpful in addressing the problem of excessive noise in workplaces. The
results have been encouraging but more work lies ahead, as we focus our
efforts on controlling inherently challenging problems in certain noisy
processes and industries.
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