4
Toxic substances used in industry are normally in a solid or liquid state. However, during industrial processes they might be released into the environment in the form of dusts, particles, fumes or gases, if they are not properly handled. Tragic industrial accidents had occurred in the past. The gas incident in a San Po Kong factory is a good example of the seriousness of such accidents. We need to do our best to prevent industrial accidents in Hong Kong.
The Labour Department is responsible for industrial safety in Hong Kong's factories and for the protection of the health of the industrial workforce. It has only an establishment of 190 factory inspectors to do the job. A larger staff may be required. It is also imperative that factory inspectors are provided with proper training so that they can keep abreast of the latest developments in production technology and the use of new chemicals in industry. I hope that sufficient provision is made for this purpose.
Two
Furthermore, I am concerned about the recent loss of very experienced factory inspectors to the department. Superintendents of Factory Inspectors retired early in late 1984. I understand that an acting Deputy Chief Factory Inspector and a Chief Factory Inspector will also leave the department this year. Between them, these four officers have over 100 years of experience in industrial safety.
I hope that
their departure would not affect the standards in accident prevention and industrial safety in Hong Kong. The Commissioner for Labour might well be advised to look into ways to retain much-needed expertise and experience of Factory Inspectors at the senior management level.
Housing for Elderly Single Persons
It has been estimated that about 1,000 people over the
age of 60 are presently living in boarding houses in sub-standard private tenement blocks in old urban districts. The predominant majority of them are single men. They have frequently been described by the media as "caged men".