ENG-1961 — Page 73

EMPLOYMENT

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reached advanced stages of preparation. Progress was also made on amendments to the Workmen's Compensation Ordinance.

SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE

Industrial health. One section of the Labour Department is particularly concerned with safeguarding the health of industrial workers by offering advice on methods of preventing occupational diseases. The need for adequate first aid equipment in all indus- trial undertakings is emphasized and clinics, with doctors or nurses in attendance, are advocated for the larger concerns. Factory plans are examined to ensure the inclusion of adequate sanitary facili- ties, dormitories and eating accommodation. The section also organizes first aid training classes in industry which are conducted by the St John Ambulance Association.

Advice is offered on the use of protective clothing and equipment for special trades and particular attention, with periodic examina- tion, is given to lead workers, luminisers, and gas mantle workers. As the last two groups handle radioactive substances, each worker is monitored by a film badge to ensure that radiation absorption does not exceed the internationally recognized safety margin.

Field surveys and factory inspections are also an essential part of the work of the industrial health section since problems of health in industry can only be solved by specific investigation and continuous research. Samples of air in factories are regularly taken to determine the concentration and content of toxic gases, vapours and fumes; the concentration and size of dust particles are measured; temperature and ventilation studies are conducted, and radiation hazards are controlled.

Clinical aspects of industrial health involve the physical exami- nation of workers in special trades, blood and urine examinations, and chest x-ray surveys. Comparatively few types of occupational diseases are known to exist in Hong Kong, but cases are believed to occur which are either unrecognized or undisclosed. Notification is not compulsory and reliance has to be placed on cases being discovered by Government officials or voluntarily reported by private medical practitioners. Contraction of an occupational disease does not entitle the victim to workmen's compensation.