46
HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
connected with special surveys on hours of work, supervisors, humidification, workers' accommodation and checks on the nature of the trade carried out.
Industrial Health. The activities of the Industrial Health Section fall into three main divisions: the investigation and prevention of occupational diseases; the improvement of medical services in industry, including the care of industrial accident cases in par- ticular; and the maintenance of healthy working conditions in factories and other workplaces. In addition, technical advice is given on many and varied subjects related to health in industry. The appointment of a laboratory assistant for sampling work and two health visitors, for the follow-up- of workers injured in accidents, made it possible during the year to expand the work of the Section in these directions.
The prevention of occupational diseases is undertaken by the investigation of cases which come to light, by surveys of trades known to be hazardous, and by the regular medical supervision of workers in such trades. Government medical officers assist by notifying cases of industrial disease coming to their knowledge, while other cases are notified by private practitioners. The number so notified is not large but the information received is of great value, as often the discovery of a single case draws attention to conditions potentially dangerous to many workers. Silicosis and dermatitis are the most important diseases that have come to light in this way.
11
The number of cases of occupational disease recorded during the year was as follows:
Dermatitis
Silicosis...
Chrome Ulcer ...
Pneumonitis in brass foundry worker
Lead Poisoning
Aniline Poisoning
Insecticide Poisoning
Hydrogen Sulphide Poisoning Hyperidrosis (excessive sweating)
36
11
1
1
1
5
4
3
2
64