XN000022-1972-10-30 — Page 2

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Monday, October 30, 1972

As such a publication will have to take four more months to complete,

the Marine Department has decided to publish Volume 1 of the guide immediately,

as it covers the areas where most of the deaths have occurred.

A number of copies in stencilled form have been prepared for free

issue to those directly involved in order to avoid delay.

Mr. Blacklock expressed the hope that the guidance provided will

draw attention to the hazards involved in the shipbuilding and ship-repairing

industries and how they may be overcome.

He said the recommendations in the Safety Guide are essentially of

a general nature and are intended to provide a sound basis for preparation of

instructions appropriate to the particular conditions and circumstances.

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In the practical application of the broad principles of accident

prevention, however, the human element is perhaps its most important aspect.

He thought that safety training at all levels and regular drills

would go a long way towards resolving this problem.

Mr. Blacklock also referred to recommendations made by the Commission

of Inquiry investigating the fire on board the "Jumbo" floating restaurant in

October last year.

One of the recommendations, he said, is to establish an Industrial

Safety Division within the Marine Department to deal with safety of working

conditions and practices and the precautions to be exercised on board ships.

This recommendation has been accepted by the Government.

/Mr. Blacklock,