XN000022-1973-11-28 — Page 29

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Wednesday, November 28, 1973

The total number of first aiders required to work in local industry

was estimated at more than 3,000. "But there are at present only about

2,000 trained by the St. John's Ambulance association, and a very small

number of registered nurses working in factories," said Mr. Li,

This shortfall would become even more acute when the Construction

Site (Safety) Regulations become effective on May 1, 1974. Then another

2,000 first aiders would be required for construction sites alone.

The new regulations are one of a series planned by the Labour

Department to improve safety measures in industry.

At the same time, the Legislative Council also approved a number

of minor changes to legislation dealing with the employment of women and

young persons in industry, to make clear beyond doubt the intention of the law.

The alterations to the Factories and Industrial Undertakings

(Amendment) Regulations made by the Commissioner of Labour on November 5

involve no changes in principle.

Mr. Li explained that, among other things, the amendment regulations

clarified that the employment of women and young persons on more than six days

in any week was prohibited.

"Women and young persons are also prohibited from being employed on

their rest days as well as outside the fixed period of employment except for

permissible overtime," he said. "No proprietor is allowed to require or

permit them to work during their mandatory intervals for rest or meals."

The amendment regulations permit proprietor to change the rest

day of women and young persons in one week, and then revert to the original

rest day in the week immediately following without seeking permission from

the Commissioner of Labour.

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