EMPLOYMENT
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building, job search and interpersonal skills, computer application and job-specific skills, as well as one-month workplace attachment opportunities.
A review undertaken in May showed that the programme received support from a wide cross-section of the community. In view of the encouraging response, the Government decided to continue the programme in 2000-01 and 2001-02. A new On- the-Job Training Scheme for a period of three months was added to enhance the work experience and employment prospects of trainees.
A web site (http://www.yptp.com.hk) was set up in August to provide up-to-date information on the programme.
Over 520 organisations participated in the YPT Programme 2000-01 which offered about 25 000 training places and 3 800 workplace attachment opportunities. A total of 12 700 young people applied to join the programme by year-end.
Occupational Safety
The Occupational Safety and Health Branch (OSHB) of the Labour Department administers the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance, the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance and their 29 sets of subsidiary legislation to protect the occupational safety and health of employees in both the industrial and non-industrial sectors.
Enforcement of the legislation is carried out through routine inspections of workplaces, special enforcement campaigns to enhance occupational safety in areas. such as gas welding/cutting operations, construction and summer jobs, promotion of the Occupational Safety Charter on a safe working environment, publication and distribution of codes of practice, and other promotional activities such as safety campaigns and awards, exhibitions, visits, seminars, and publicity about workplace safety.
Boilers and Pressure Vessels Safety
The Boilers and Pressure Vessels Division administers the Boilers and Pressure Vessels Ordinance to ensure the safe use and operation of pressure equipment. The division conducted regular spot checks on pressure equipment during the year. It also conducted examinations for the issue of certificates of competency, investigated accidents and undertook activities promoting safety.
In 2000, the division processed 2 505 equipment registration applications, inspected 6 488 factories and 5 579 items of pressure equipment, and issued 496 certificates of competency and endorsements.
Occupational Health
The Occupational Health Service of the Labour Department aims to protect the health of workers from hazards in the work environment through disease surveillance, treatment, workplace investigation, health promotion and education. It provides advisory service to the public, and supervises health standards and practices in the workplace. Hygiene monitoring is conducted to prevent health hazards caused by chemical, physical, biological and ergonomic factors. Enforcement action is taken in cases of unsatisfactory performance. The service also undertakes medical examinations for radiation workers and government employees who are engaged in certain hazardous occupations such as diving, asbestos work and pest control.