EMPLOYMENT
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A health visitor advises factory management and factory nurses on occupational hazards, and keeps a close watch on cleanliness, sanitary and washing facilities, and general standards of hygiene in workplaces. Another health visitor and three nurses are engaged in case work on persons injured by occupational accidents. The medical centre of the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation at Kwun Tong continued important work in the treatment, training and placement of injured workers. In conjunction with the St John Ambulance Association, first aid classes are organized for industrial workers. The classes were begun in 1956 and since then 1,122 workers have obtained first-aid certificates. The need for first-aid rooms and clinics is now well recognized and increasing numbers of concerns are providing them. Under the Industrial Employment (Holidays with Pay and Sickness Allowance) Ordin- ance 1962, applications from industrial undertakings for recognition of medical treatment schemes are considered.
Many industrial managements now realize the importance of staff welfare and provide their employees with more comprehensive facilities than are required by labour legislation. First-aid equipment and drinking water must be provided 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 commonly provided by managements, and free or cheap accommodation is sometimes offered to workers in the larger factories. Some firms employ full-time welfare officers, while others organize film and opera shows and provide facilities for football, basketball and swimming. Adult education is some- times arranged, with free or subsidized tuition for employees' children. There are also voluntary organizations which provide hostels and playgrounds catering specifically for industrial workers.
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