ENG-1964 — Page 41

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EMPLOYMENT

During the year notification of known and suspected cases of specific occupational disease by medical practitioners and govern- ment medical officers became compulsory under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Notification of Occupational Diseases) Regulations thus marking progressive development in the functions of occupational health services of the Labour Department.

Periodic physical examinations, blood tests, and urine examina- tions were carried out on lead workers and workers handling radioactive substances or X-ray apparatus. Chest X-ray examina- tions are given to selected groups of workers in dusty trades where a pneumoconiosis hazard is known to exist.

The chief causes of sickness absenteeism in Hong Kong appears to be respiratory tract infection and gastro-intestinal upsets. During the year one health visitor returned from the United Kingdom after completing specific training in occupational health nursing, and her duties include advising factory management and nurses about occupational hazards, as well as keeping a close watch on sanitary and washing facilities and general standards of hygiene in workplaces. One laboratory technician is now in the United Kingdom studying occupational health. Three other health visitors are engaged in case work on occupational accidents. The medical centre of the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation_at_Kwun Tong has been found to be of great usefulness in the treatment of injured workers. Here, workers suffering temporary or permanent incapacity through occupational accidents, receive physiotherapy, occupational therapy and vocational training. Assistance and advice are given by the Labour Department in all workmen's compensation cases. Most claims are settled by amicable agreement approved by the department. Fatal cases are dealt with by the courts and free legal aid is provided where necessary. During the year $2,605,326.72 was paid to injured workmen, and dependants in 169 fatal cases were awarded a total of $1,140,901.70. Under the new legislation one case of occupational disease was notified.

The provision of adequate first-aid arrangements in factories is encouraged, and first-aid training classes for industrial workers are organized in conjunction with the St John Ambulance Association. Since the inauguration of these classes in 1956, a total of 979 workers have obtained first-aid certificates. The need for first-aid rooms for clinics is now recognized by local industry, and the larger