FRIDAY, JULY 5, 1985
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FACTORY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM PROPOSED
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THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, WHICH SEEKS TO REPLACE THE EXISTING REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE BY A SYSTEM OF NOTIFICATION, IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
UNDER THE PRESENT REGISTRATION SYSTEM, INTRODUCED IN 1955 AND MODIFIED IN 1963, CERTAIN WORKPLACES ARE REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR.
THIS REQUIREMENT IS TO ENSURE THAT THE WORKPLACE IS INSPECTED AND THAT ADEQUATE HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS ARE MAINTAINED.
HOWEVER, WITH THE ENACTMENT OF 21 SETS OF SAFETY REGULATIONS IN THE LAST 20 YEARS, THE REGISTRATION SYSTEM IS NO LONGER NECESSARY AS A MEANS OF ENSURING THE MAINTENANCE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS IN WORKPLACES.
THE BILL PROPOSES A SET OF NEW NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES WHICH IS SIMPLER AND MORE EASILY UNDERSTOOD BY PROPRIETORS OF WORKPLACE, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THE SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURES WOULD ALSO PROVE MORE EFFICIENT IN THE USE OF MANPOWER, AS THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR WOULD BE ABLE TO DEPLOY MORE RESOURCES ON PRIORITY TASKS. SUCH AS ENFORCEMENT OF SAFETY REGULATIONS.
THE BILL PROVIDES THAT THE PROPRIETORS OF CERTAIN WORKPLACES SHOULD NOTIFY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR OF AN INTENTION TO COMMENCE AN INDUSTRIAL PROCESS OR CARRY ON AN INDUSTRIAL OPERATION ON THE PREMISES.
ANY CHANGE IN THE LOCATION OR NAME OF THE WORKPLACE, IN THE NATURE OF THE INDUSTRIAL PROCESS OR OPERATION OR IN THE IDENTITY OF THE PERSON HAVING MANAGEMENT OR CONTROL OF THE WORKPLACE IS ALSO TO BE NOTIFIED.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR IS EMPOWERED TO PROHIBIT THE OPERATION OF ANY NOTIFIABLE WORKPLACE IF HE CONSIDERS THAT IT IS NOT SUITABLE IN RESPECT OF THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE OF PERSONS EMPLOYED OR, IN CERTAIN CASES, OF PERSONS GENERALLY.
THE COMMISSIONER MAY CANCEL A PROHIBITION NOTICE, BUT IN DOING SO MAY GIVE DIRECTIONS AS TO THE OPERATION OF THE WORKPLACE.
PROVISION IS MADE FOR A PROPRIETOR TO APPLY TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR FOR THE LIFTING OF A PROHIBITION NOTICE AND TO APPEAL TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL AGAINST SUCH A NOTICE.
THE BILL