ENG-1963 — Page 85

EMPLOYMENT

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on the absorption of fluorides among plant attendants. This survey showed that the quantity of fluorides absorbed by them during their work was not excessive. X-ray examinations are given to selected groups of workers in dusty trades where a pneumoconiosis hazard is known to exist. Silicosis appears to be the major local occupational disease, partly because of the preponderance of granite rock, (containing a high percentage of free silica) with which quarry workers and others have to deal in the course of their work. The notification of cases of specific occupational disease is not yet compulsory, and reliance is placed on cases being discovered by Government medical officers or reported by private doctors.

The chief causes of sickness absenteeism in Hong Kong appear to be respiratory tract infections and gastro-intestinal upsets. Three health visitors do case work on persons injured by occupational accidents and maintain contact with hospitals, clinics, doctors, factory managers and other officers of the Labour Department who deal with workmen's compensation. Degrees of permanent inca- pacity for workmen's compensation cases are usually assessed at weekly medical boards in the Queen Mary and Kowloon hospitals. The opening of the medical centre of the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation at Kwun Tong in September 1962 marked a step forward in the treatment of injured workers. In the centre, which is designed to accommodate 80 persons, men suffering temporary or permanent incapacity through occupational accidents receive physiotherapy, occupational therapy and vocational training.

Industrial welfare. Many industrial managements now realize the importance of staff welfare and provide their employees with more comprehensive facilities than are required by labour legis- lation. First-aid equipment and drinking water must be pro- vided if a factory is to be registered, and where appropriate, the department strongly recommends the inclusion of dining and rest rooms in plans for new factories. Many of the larger concerns have clinics and free medical treatment is sometimes given to both employees and their families. Free or subsidized meals are com- monly provided by managements, and free or cheap accommoda- tion is sometimes offered to workers in the larger factories. Some firms employ full-time welfare officers while others organize cine- ma and opera shows and provide facilities for football, basketball