ENG-1967 — Page 65

EMPLOYMENT

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workers who, because of the nature of their jobs, are particularly vulnerable. The monitoring takes the form of periodical medical examinations and may include chest X-rays and laboratory inves- tigations.

The division also undertakes the clinical examination, case work and medical assessment of injured workers under the Workmen's Compensation Ordinance. This important advisory service operates principally from the casualty departments of major government hospitals.

Air pollution in Hong Kong, as in other industrialized countries, is presenting increasing problems. A committee was appointed this year to determine the causes and extent of pollution and to consider what statutory measures are needed to control the problem. A pilot programme was begun to measure levels of sulphur dioxide (which was taken as an index of pollution) at 24 selected sites in Hong Kong, mainly in the urban areas.

Factories are encouraged to have adequate first-aid facilities and first-aid training classes for industrial workers are organized in conjunction with the St John Ambulance Association. The need for first-aid facilities is now recognized by local industry and in many large concerns staffed clinics are provided by employers. A survey last year showed that 44 undertakings with clinic facilities employed registered medical practitioners on a full or part-time basis. These services covered about 45,000 workers, or around 13 per cent of the total workforce, employed in registered industrial undertakings. Another 258 undertakings, employing 48,000 workers, made arrangements for their employees to be seen, as necessary, by outside medical practitioners. Under the Industrial Employment (Holidays with Pay and Sickness Allowance) Ordinance 1962, applications from industrial undertakings for recognition of medical treatment schemes are considered. Early in the year, registered doctors employed in industry formed a society whose aims are to advance the knowledge and practice of occupational medicine and to promote interest, research and education in occupational health.

Other welfare amenities vary from the statutory requirements of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance to compre- hensive facilities including canteens, kitchens, rest rooms and