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In the case of legal proceedings in respect of noise or vibration caused in the
course of trade or business it is a defence to prove that the best practicable means
have been used for preventing and counteracting the effect of noise or vibration and
so long as this built-in defence is available an element of annoyance from noise
may have to be accepted particularly in areas which are not wholly residential.
Complaints are investigated promptly but some require numerous visits at night
time as well as during the day and it is sometimes difficult to obtain a solution to
or amelioration of noise nuisance without what may seem to a complainant,
unreasonable delay. Although it is not always possible to reduce noise to a level
which satisfies complainants there is a good degree of co-operation from business
firms.
SHOPS AND OFFICES
The Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963 and a number of Regulations
made thereunder regulate working conditions in offices and shops. Public Health
Inspectors and Shops Inspectors of the Town Clerk's Department, collaborate in these
measures to secure the health, safety and welfare of persons employed in such
premises.
The Town Clerk is responsible for the registration procedure and the publication
of an Annual Report to the Minister of Labour. The following is an extract from the
Report, setting out the number of premises registered, an analysis of persons
employed and the number of general inspections made:—

Table B — Number of Visits of all kinds by Inspectors to Registered Premises
4223
59