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MR. Lo (in English):-Mr. Chairman, we will certainly look into that. The question of booking is not just related to this particular venue. Of course, if the soccer pitch has not been booked, then casual play is allowed.
2. MR. WALTER M. SULKE asked the following question (in English):--As some of our operations could be classified as hazardous or dangerous, I would like to know how our 1983 accident record compares to the average of the previous five years and what steps are being taken to protect our employees from special risks and improve our safety record?
DR. KIM Y. S. CHAM, CHAIRMAN OF THE ADMINISTRATION SELECT COMMITTEE replied as follows (in English):-This question concerns the number of accidents sustained by U.S.D. employees while on duty, how this record compares with the average of the previous five years and what steps are being taken to protect U.S.D. employees from special risks and improve U.S.D. safety record.
The number of accidents recorded in 1983 was 1,705, of which 214 were connected with Typhoon Ellen. This shows a slight increase of 8% as compared with the average figure of 1,565 for the previous five years from 1978-1982. The number of fatal cases has, however, been decreasing from 4 in 1980 to 1 in 1983. Of the 1,705 cases recorded in 1983, 876 cases were directly related to the performance of hazardous or potentially hazardous duties while the rest, 829, were sustained by staff as a result of accidents in the course of performing ordinary duties. The type of accidents ranged from superficial cuts at one end to bone fracture or death at the other.
To minimize the risks encountered by staff on dangerous and potentially dangerous duties, precautionary measures have been taken in the form of training courses, protective clothing/equipment to staff and conspicuous paraphernalia at places of work. For example, staff on cleansing duties wear reflective vests and gloves, while those on tree-cutting duties use ropes and safety helmets. Triangular cones, fencing for day-time cleansing and revolving lights on vehicles together with portable revolving lights for night-time operations also help to promote awareness of drivers and traffic to departmental staff at work. For fast traffic roads which have been identified as dangerous, mechanical sweepers have been utilized to replace manual beat sweepers.
The type of precautionary measures to be adopted for staff on dangerous duties is constantly being reviewed so that further improvements may be made. Moreover, regular meetings/consultations are held with staff and staff associations so that any dangerous elements encountered in the performance of their duties are identified and safety measures taken as soon as possible.
MR. SULKE (in English):—I would like to thank Dr. Kim CHAM for a very useful reply. The figures indicated that accidents affect about 1% of our total staff.
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I wonder whether we know how this compares with the accident rate suffered by comparable organizations and other cities outside.
DR. CHAM (in English):-Mr. Chairman, I do not have the exact figures elsewhere or internationally, but it is important to note that the environment in which our staff operates in Hong Kong may be different from other cities. In population, our traffic, etc. may contribute to a higher or perhaps lower rate of accidents. I can, of course, try to get the specific figures concerned. I am sure Mr. SULKE will realize the difference between places and for comparison purposes, how meaningful that is.
MR. FORSGATE (in English):-Could I ask Dr. Kim CHAM as to the cleansing reflective clothing used by the cleansing staff, what are the means to ensure that they wear this safety measure. I have noticed that on some roads, the street sweepers are very dangerously exposed to traffic, as in this dim, misty weather, it is very difficult to see them. How can you ensure that they wear the safety clothes provided?
DR. CHAM (in English):-Mr. Chairman, our staff, particularly the cleansing staff, are under instruction to wear reflective vests. However, individuals might, for their own particular reasons or for convenience, at the time of operation have either forgotten or simply not put it on. If Mr. FORSGATE has spotted anyone who does not wear one, he can perhaps let the department know. The specific staff will have the instructions precisely given to him again.
3. MR. WALTER M. SULKE asked the following question (in English):—In view of the District of Kwun Tong having a population of over 650,000 and no sporting facilities, what steps does the Council propose to take to expedite the building of an athletic track and a football field in Kowloon Bay?
MR. KENNETH T. C. LO, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in English):-This question relates to the steps being taken by the Council to expedite the provision of sporting facilities at Kowloon Bay for the residents of Kwun Tong.
A proposal to advance the construction of the Kowloon Bay Recreation Ground in the Council's Capital Works Programme was recently considered and approved by the relevant Select Committees. This was ratified by the Standing Committee of the Whole Council at its meeting on 7 February 1984 and this Council will soon be asked to approve formally the Recreation Ground's layout plan and project estimate, with the aim of starting construction in late 1984/early 1985. The whole project is expected to be completed in late 1986.
The Kowloon Bay Recreation Ground is planned with the following facilities:-