XN000022-1996-01-10 — Page 21

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(f)

(g)

to provide consultancy services; and

to encourage and facilitate co-operation and communication between the Government, employers, employees and relevant professional and academic bodies, in furtherance of the encouragement and promotion of higher standards of safety and health for people at work.

!

Since its establishment the OSHC has been effective and active in enhancing the occupational safety and health of all workers in Hong Kong. There is of course much more to be done. As an example of its work in promoting occupational health, in 1994 and 1995 the Council organised 120 occupational health seminars and symposia for 30,000 participants, 40 workers activities for 21,000 participants, 120 training courses for over 3,700 participants and 80 occupational hygiene surveys or site assessments. The OSHC also published over 160 guidance books, magazines, leaflets and posters on occupational health.

In addition, the Occupational Health Division of the Labour Department also provides advice and information on the prevention of work-related injuries and occupational diseases and organises health talks, exhibitions and publications on occupational health. The Factory Inspectorate Division of the Labour Department offers close support to the services provided by the OSHC and the Occupational Health Division. The Factory Inspectors also work closely together with occupational hygienists of the department to investigate complaints concerning use of hazardous substances and health aspects of work environments.

Legislative Programme

(A) Factories and Industrial (Amendment) Bill

Dr C H Leung has asked for a concrete time table for implementing the recommendations in the consultation paper. We have a busy legislative programme ahead. First, we plan to submit to this Council in May the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Amendment) Bill to introduce a safety management system with the following components:

safety plans to implement the safety policy;

safety committees consisting of representatives from the management

and workers;

300 000

(a)

a company safety policy;

(b)

(d)

regular safety audits or safety reviews;

(e) general safety training for all workers; and

(f)

specific training for workers engaged in hazardous trades or processes.