Modifying Earplug Wearing Behavior by Behavior Modification Techniques

A token economy system for, workers and a managerial intervention were developed in an industrial setting to modify the use of ear protectors. The token economy increased workers' use of ear protectors during work shifts, while new managerial standards maintained the level of earplug usage reached during the token economy intervention. As a result of the intervention program, earplug usage reached an operant level of about 95%. This remained stable throughout the follow-up period during which the new managerial stand was in effect. Theoretical and applied implications of organizational maintenance strategies are dismissed in view of the demonstrated effectiveness of the present intervention.