7
13.
Dr. Ho may be assured that the planned expansion
of the factory inspectorate will be continued as scon
as circumstances permit. It is always unfortunate to
have to lose long-serving officers, whether by wastage
or retirement. However, this does present an opportunity
for capable and experienced younger inspectors to take
their place. As some of my Unofficial Colleagues have
already pointed out, there can even be some advantage
in bringing in new talent, and the Commissioner for
Labour is satisfied that there is the talent available
to retain the high quality of the Factory Inspectorate
and to sustain its leadership in the occupational
safety field.
14.
The importance of proper training to keep abreast
of the latest developments in production technology and
the use of new chemicals in industry is appreciated.
All inspectors receive basic training in recognising
chemical hazards and some have received more advanced
training overseas. A working party has been set up in
the factory inspectorate to study how to improve
control of the use and handling of toxic substances
Specialist help and advice is also
in industry.
obtained from the Occupational Health Division and
the Government Chemist. Meanwhile, regulations under
the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance are
presently being drafted to protect workers safety by
requiring the proper storage and handling of asbestos
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