142 Employment
In general, the demand for foreign domestic helpers has increased over the past three decades. At the end of 2006, there were 232 780 such helpers in Hong Kong, an increase of 4.3 per cent over the 223 200 in 2005. About 51.9 per cent were from the Philippines and 44.7 per cent from Indonesia.
Occupational Safety and Health
The Labour Department seeks to improve safety and health at the workplace through legislation, law enforcement, promotion, education and training. Through the concerted efforts of all parties concerned, including employers, employees, contractors, safety practitioners and the Government, Hong Kong's work safety performance has improved significantly.
Statistics
Over the years, the series of initiatives made in relation to occupational safety and health has improved the safety performance in Hong Kong markedly. In 2006, the number of occupational injuries stood at 46 937, representing a drop of 26.1 per cent from 63 526 in 1998. The number of industrial accidents also decreased from 43 034 in 1998 to 17 286 in 2006, down by 59.8 per cent. In the construction industry, the number of accidents dropped by a huge 82.6 per cent from 19 588 in 1998 to 3 400 in 2006.
In 2006, a total of 264 occupational disease cases were confirmed, representing a slight rise of 3 per cent from 256 cases in 2005 but a cumulative fall of 72 per cent from the peak 948 cases in 1998. The most common occupational diseases were silicosis, tenosynovitis of the hand or forearm and occupational deafness.
Enforcement
The Labour Department focuses its inspections on high-risk or accident-prone industries and closely monitors organisations with poor safety records. Improvement notices or suspension notices are issued when necessary to secure a speedy rectification of irregularities, or to remove imminent risks to life and limb. In 2006, 189 suspension notices and 1 339 improvement notices were issued. There were 2 056 prosecutions under the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance and the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance heard in court. The conviction rate was 84.6 per cent and fines totalled more than $13 million.
The Labour Department carries out special enforcement campaigns targeting high-risk work situations. The campaigns cover working at heights, renovation and maintenance works safety, scaffolding and ladder safety, tower crane safety, fire and chemical safety, construction vehicles and mobile plants, sewage works, catering industry, and cargo and container handling. In 2006, the department conducted 17 special enforcement campaigns and 587 prosecutions were initiated. Altogether, 490 improvement notices and 101 suspension notices were issued.
In 2006, the Labour Department conducted inspections of office workplaces to ensure compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health (Display Screen Equipment) Regulation. Moreover, inspections of catering establishments were stepped up to ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent workers from