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$10,000 is beyond the means of any ordinary worker, not to mention that they are usually the victims of accidents. Furthermore, if workers fail to observe the Regulations when carrying out their duties, their employers may at any time invoke the Employment Ordinance to have them sacked or take punitive measures against
them such as by means of wage deduction and suspension from work. Therefore, I support the request by the labour organizations that the penalty provisions in respect of the employees should be deleted. Even if these provisions are passed, I wish to call upon the Labour Department to be most prudent in prosecuting employees so as not to shift the responsibility on them.
In addition, I would like to take this opportunity to urge the Labour Department to conduct an overall review on legislation concerning occupational safety and health and carry out extensive public consultation in this regard as soon as possible. On the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Dangerous Substances) Regulations, I have a few more points to make:-
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(a)
The labelling requirements should be extended .beyond the existing 200 odd dangerous substances
listed in the Schedule to cover other kinds of chemicals. If necessary, overall control on chemicals including those which are imported should be implemented. Besides, employees not covered by provisions of the Factories and Industrial
that is,
Undertakings Ordinance, e employees working in a laboratory should also be protected by the
Regulations.
(b) The Labour Department should step up its efforts in
law enforcement and training. Employees and employers should be, reminded by means of education and supervision to pay special attention to the use and manufacturing of dangerous substances. A
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