TNAG-0968-FCO40-1187-Development-of-social-policy-in-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 25

90.

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The Pressure Equipment Unit offers free technical advice to industrial undertakings and other premises where pressure equipment is installed. It enforces the provisions of the Boilers and Pressure Receivers Ordinance (Cap. 56) and conducts examinations for the purpose of issuing certificates of competency for boiler operators.

91.

The prevention of occupational diseases and the promotion of a healthy working environment are achieved through factory visits, monitoring of the work environment and medical examin tion of workers by the Industrial Health Division.

Workmen's Compensation

92.

All manual workers irrespective of their earnings, and non-manual workers whose monthly wages do not exceed $5,000 are compensated for personal injury or death due to accidents arising out of and in the course of employment or due to occupational diseases. An eligible worker is entitled to compensation during temporary total incapacity at a rete equal to two-thirds of his monthly earnings. lump sum not exceeding 48 months' earnings or $80,000, whichever is the less, is payable for permanent total incapacity. An additional sum not exceeding $32,000 is payable if the injured worker needs the constant attention of another person to perform the essential actions of life. The employer is also liable for the cost of initial fitting of any necessary prostheses or surgical appliances, and for the medical expenses incurred as a result of employment injuries (at present limited to $10 a day for out-patient treatment and $20 a day for hospitalisation). Compensation for permanent partial incapacity is a percentage of that payable for permanent total incapacity and is proportionate to the loss of earning capacity.

Industrial Training

93.

The Hong Kong Training Council was set up in 1973 to advise the Governor on the measures necessary to ensure a comprehensive system of manpower training, geared to meet the needs of the economy. 16 industry training boards deal with the training needs and problems of the major industries, while 6 committees examine problems common to more than one industry. The Training Council Division of the Labour Department provides the secretariat for the Council. The Training Council conducts manpower surveys on various industries, and also publishes reports and manuals on such matters as job standards, model training programmes and trade tests.