ENG-1956 — Page 73

OCCUPATIONS, WAGES AND LABOUR ORGANIZATION

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of the industries concerned. Surveys have also been made of industries known to be hazardous, without waiting for cases of illness to come to light. Recommendations for the improve- ment of working conditions are made where necessary. The major surveys carried out during the year were of the luminising industry (radio-active substances), of type-foun- dries (lead poisoning) and of quarries (silicosis). Other smaller surveys have been conducted and advice has been given in individual cases.

Another matter to which attention has been paid during the year is the improvement of medical facilities in industry. A scheme for the medical supervision, by private doctors under the direction of the Industrial Health Officer, of certain women supervisors working at night in spinning and weaving factories has been brought into force.

As a first step towards raising the standard of first aid training in factories a course of first aid lectures for factory workers was arranged with the aid of St. John Ambulance Association and the Employers' Federation.

Industrial Accidents. 4,528 industrial and occupational accidents (97 fatal) involving 4,601 persons were reported and investigated. This is 1,462 (12 fatal) more than last year. Of the total, 2,340 (33 fatal) were in registrable workplaces. The increase is due mostly to an increase in the reporting of minor accidents under the Factories and Industrial Under- takings Ordinance, 1955, which requires that every accident, as a result of which the employed person is incapable of per- forming his ordinary work for one day or more, be reported. Additional reasons are increased reporting of accidents under the Workmen's Compensation Ordinance, and increased industrial activity in the Colony involving the employment of more workers, many of whom are new to industry.

Welfare. Every registrable workplace must supply first-aid equipment and drinking water, and all plans for new factory buildings must include provision for dining or rest rooms.

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