Singapore has come a long way in occupational health. WhenSingapore attained selι government in 1959， the economic priority was job creation through intensive indus仕ialization. Since 1979， there has been economic restructuring to move from labour-intensive industries to high technology and skill-intensive industries. In 2008， Singapore has a total population of 4.84 million and a work force of 2.94 million of which about 1.01million are non-resident workers. Most resident workers are employed in the services， manufacturing and construction sectors. Agricultural and mining activities are negligible. The infant mortality rate was 2.1 per 1,000 live births and the life expectancy at birth was 80.9 years. The total indus仕ial accident rate was 1.9 per million man-hours worked and the severity rate was 112 industrial man-days lost per million manhours worked.

In the same year， 657 cases of occupational disease were notified to， and confirmed by， the Ministry of Manpower. Themajority of cases involved noise-induced hearing loss. Thereis substantial underreporting of cases. New cases that are expected to appear will be work-related illnesses such as musculoskeletal or psychosocial disorders. The key legislation on Workplace Safety and Health is provided for by the Workplace Safety and Health Act which came into effect on 1 March 2006 replacing the former Factory Act (1973).

Labor regulations are enforced by the Ministry of Manpower. Workmen's compensation paid in 2008 amounted to S $73.31 million (U.S.$I=S$1.50).Education and training in occupational health is provided by employer federations， employee unions， and various government agencies. Occupational health is taught to medical students during their undergraduate training. Postgraduate-diploma and Masters programs in occupational medicine are also available. More than 600 doctors in Singapore have some form of postgraduate training in occupational health. Health care for workers is offered either through the private sector or through government clinics and hospitals. Although Singapore has made great strides in protecting and promoting the health of its workers， it must constantly strive to strengthen its commitment to occupational health and safety. Improvedtraining and development of health professionals is needed such that they are be“er prepared to deliver optimal occupational health care.