XN000022-1974-01-04 — Page 2

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Friday, January 4, 1974

RECORD HIGH IN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS

The number of accidents at work reached a new peak last year,

bringing the total toll to 304 dead and 30,214 injured.

Releasing these figures today, the Commissioner of Labour, Mr.

I.R. Price said he was gravely concerned about the effects of such

accidents on Hong Kong's work force and economy. "A conservative estimate

of the amount of workmen's compensation involved was $20 million, while

the number of man-days lost, was about 520,000."

Mr. Price said occupational acidents were costing the economy

hundreds of millions of dollars a year, "If Hong Kong is to maintain its

competitivenoss in international markets, such damaging accidents must

be reduced."

However even more disturbing than the econ mic waste is the painful

and irreparable human suffering resulting from these accidents.

As in previous years, the majority of accidents occurred in

industrial undertakings and of these about 25 per cent occurred in the

construction industry which was responsible for the largest number of accidents,

killing more than 500 workers and injuring 30,000 during the past 10 years.

However, Mr. Price expected a considerable improvement in the

situation after the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations become affective

in May this year. These regulations impose stringent requirements to ensure

the safety and welfare of workers engaged in that industry,

Mr. Price