EMPLOYMENT
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First aid training classes for industry are organized by the Industrial Health Section and conducted by the St John Ambulance Association. Since the scheme was inaugurated in 1956 351 workers from 144 industrial undertakings have obtained first aid certificates.
Industrial welfare. First aid equipment and drinking water must be provided in every registrable workplace. The Labour Depart- ment insists on the inclusion of dining and rest rooms in plans for new industrial premises. More and more managements provide welfare facilities like clinics, canteens, non-profit-making co- operative stores, barbers, laundries, reading rooms, and school rooms. Many larger concerns provide accommodation in the form of flats or dormitories either at subsidized rents or free, and free or subsidized meals are commonly provided by managements.
Some firms employ full-time welfare officers. Others organize picnics or walks in the country, give cinema and opera shows, and make available sports grounds for football and basket ball. Free or subsidized schooling is sometimes arranged for the children of employees, as well as free classes for adult education. Some voluntary organizations also help individual workers by providing hostels and playgrounds.
Workmen's compensation. The provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Ordinance, 1953, are now generally well known to both employers and employees. Minimum rates of compensation are prescribed that shall be paid to workmen injured in the course of their employment. In fatal cases, dependants may claim com- pensation in court. $1,419,084.93 were paid as compensation for 6,055 non-fatal cases, and dependants were awarded a total of $580,477.94 by the courts in fatal cases.
Apprenticeship. Craft apprentices are employed in Government service by the Kowloon-Canton Railway, the Printing Department, the Public Works Department in its electrical, mechanical, and waterworks branches, and the Stores Department in its workshops. After selection by examination and interview they are required to sign indentures. Attendance at technical classes is compulsory. The boys are released from workshops on one day every week to attend classes, and they also attend classes on two evenings.
Apprenticeship training schemes are operated by Taikoo Dock- yard and Engineering Co of Hong Kong Ltd, Hong Kong and