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Mr Wong pointed out that the provisions of the Bill and Regulation would be brought into operation one year after enactment. "This will allow time for launching public education and promotion programmes, and for employers and occupiers of affected premises to become familiar with the legislation and to make the necessary preparations."
Mr Wong said that in line with the new strategy on promoting industrial safety, the Administration's approach to occupational safety and health in the non-industrial sectors would be "preventive rather than curative; and promotional and educational rather than prosecution-oriented".
"The overall emphasis would be to encourage employers and occupiers of workplaces to identify risks and hazards, and to take steps to control or minimise them.
"The Administration, in collaboration with the Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC), would develop proposals for promoting general awareness of occupational safety and health among employers and employees in the non-industrial
sectors.
"The Labour Department will also advise employers and employees about the new legislation, enforcement and compliance standards, approved codes of practice etc."
"The enforcement of the new legislation, together with the enhanced publicity and promotional activities by Government and organisations such as OSHC, should in the long run raise the safety and health awareness of both employers and employees in
all sectors.
"This should help reduce the number of occupational injuries and diseases in the non-industrial sectors in Hong Kong," he said.
The Bill will be introduced to the Legislative Council on December 4, 1996.
Following is a summary of the main features of the Bill:
(a)
Part I specifies the title of the Bill and defines certain terms used in it.