XN000022-1996-11-22 — Page 7

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First nomination received for DB by-election

One nomination was received today (Friday) for the Wong Tai Sin District Board by-election in respect of San Po Kong constituency to be held on January 5, 97.

The nomination was submitted by Mr MAK Hoi-wah, a 45-year-old lecturer.

This is the first nomination received for the by-election as the nomination period started today (Friday).

Mr Mak can be contacted on 2788 8981 (daytime) and 2712 0195 (night time).

Nomination will last until December 5 (Thursday).

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Legislation to safeguard health and safety of all employees

The Government is introducing new legislation to extend the protection of health and safety at the workplace to all employees.

The Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong said today (Friday) that the proposed legislation - the Occupational Safety and Health Bill - was a milestone move to give greater protection to non-industrial employees who were currently not covered by existing laws.

At present, there are some 3.1 million workers in Hong Kong. Of these, about 800,000 who are employed in manufacturing, construction and catering industries are protected by the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance. However, most of the remaining 2.3 million employees in the non-industrial sectors are not so covered.

"There have been calls in recent years to extend the scope of safety and health legislation to cover all employees. Given the predominance of the service industries in Hong Kong's economy, it is logical that the occupational safety and health of the non- industrial employees should also be protected by law," he said.

The Bill, however, will not cover those employed in land, sea or air transport, as well as maritime operations as they are already covered by other ordinances. Also excluded will be those employees in domestic services, as it is not intended to intrude into the private life of individual households. Self-employed persons will be exempted too as there is no employer/employee relationship.