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Mr Ip emphasised that the scheme was but a remedial measure for dealing with the problem of occupational deafness. The Government, he said, was addressing the issue of the prevention of occupational deafness as a longer term strategy.
"The Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Noise at Work) Regulation is being actively enforced to protect workers' hearing," Mr Ip said.
"When employees in an industrial undertaking are exposed to hazardous noise, the proprietor is required to appoint a competent person to assess the situation.
"The proprietor has then to adopt remedial measures. If these measures prove to be inadequate, he should demarcate ear protection zones or specify ear protection distances and ensure that suitable ear protectors are worn by the employees working within these zones and distances," Mr Ip explained.
Employees should co-operate with employers by using suitable ear protectors provided for them by the proprietor and report any defects in the machine to him.
"Breaching the Regulation will incur a maximum fine of $50,000 for employers and $10,000 for employees," Mr Ip added.
To enhance the awareness of preventive measures on occupational deafness, the Labour Department has initiated various promotions on noise at work requirements and launched industry-based hearing conservation programmes among workers in factories and construction sites.
End/Friday, April 21, 1995
Three bills to be introduced to LegCo
Three bills will be introduced into the Legislative Council on May 3 to give effect to revenue proposals announced in the 1995-96 Budget.
The Bills
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the Inland Revenue (Amendment)(No.2) Bill 1995, the Dutiable Commodities (Amendment) Bill 1995 and the Estate Duty (Amendment) Bill 1995 are published in the Gazette today (Friday).