CONFIDENTIAL
XCC(68)5
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nevertheless anxious to rectify the false impression given by the críticisms which have been made and desires to be in a position to disclose in general terms the present scope of his legislative programme; not only for this reason
ut also in order that first public reactions may be assessed.
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Attached to this paper therefore is the latest version of the departmental programme. It can conveniently be considered under the four broad headings which describe the main responsibilities of the Commissioner of Labour.
jaibh:
A.
Safety
(i) Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Amendment) Bill
This Bill proposes to bring building sites and construction work under the effective control of the Labour Department by requiring those in operation for more than a minimum period of time to be registered. The main purpose of registration will be to ensure safe working practices, since serious accidents and fatalities are frequent. in this industry. The problem of control presents many administrative difficulties to the Department, but these measures 'should not have any injurious economic effects on the industry
(ii) Six sets of safety regulations or codes of safe practice covering (a) the building industry; (b) shipbuilding and repairing; (c) the docks, wharves and quays; (d) electrical equipment; (e) lifting appliances and lifting gear, and (f) the guarding of machinery are under preparation. Safety Committees are already operating in the cargo handling and in the ship building and repairing industries.
Health
ott a B.
(i) Factories and Industrial Undertakings (First Aid) Regulations
(ii)
(iii)
The regulations will prescribe minimum requirements for first aid boxes and first aiders according to the size of the undertaking. They have been adapted to Hong Kong conditions from similar regulations in force in the United Kingdom. They are in an advanced state of preparation.
Radiation (Amendment) Bill and Radiation (Control of Radioactive Substances) (Amendment) Regulations
Although the primary responsibility for these measures, which introduce a licensing system for radioactive substances, rests with the Medical and Health Department, the Industrial Health Section of the Labour Department is directly concerned with the use and control of radioactive substances in industry.
Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Blasting by Abrasives) Regulations
Processes involving blasting by abrasives create serious health hazards to workers and, in the case of outside work on buildings, to the public. The regulations prescribe precautions, including masks and shielding, to be taken in these processes.
CONFIDENTIAL