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This will bring the maximum penalty for an employer breaching the safety laws to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for six months.

"Public concern over industrial safety was heightened recently following a spate of serious industrial accidents last year," a Government spokesman said.

"It is generally felt that the level of fines imposed by the courts is far too low to have any real deterrent effect, particularly on contractors, having regard to the value of the construction contracts and the likely financial benefits of an early completion of the project," he added.

The spokesman pointed out that the proposed amendments were meant to raise the awareness of both employers and employees on industrial safety, particularly those in the construction sector, by introducing the higher penalties.

"There will be no adverse effect or extra financial burden on the great majority of law-abiding employers and contractors. It is hoped that the proposal will enhance safety consciousness, help reduce work injuries, and result in fewer stoppages and disruption of work," he added.

The proposal has been endorsed by the Labour Advisory Board and is supported by both employer and employee associations, including the Hong Kong Construction Association and the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees' General Union.

The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council on April 30.

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Open Learning Institute of HK (Amendment) Bill 1997

A bill which seeks to amend the governing ordinance for the Open Learning Institute of Hong Kong (OLI) to enable the institution to adopt its new university title and new internal governance structure was gazetted today (Friday).

"As the Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation (HKCAA) has confirmed, the OLI is a competent institution of high academic standard and has in place effective mechanisms to assure the quality of its courses, programmes and graduates.