ENG-1973 — Page 81

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EMPLOYMENT

or by officers of the unit. Control is achieved by environmental and biological moni- toring and health education. The unit's laboratory, staffed by technicians trained in industrial hygiene, has been designated as a collaborating laboratory on air pollution by the World Health Organisation.

The measurement of concentrations in the air, such as chromium, lead, man- ganese, mercury, solvents, silica dust and sulphur dioxide, and the investigation of standards of thermal comfort, ventilation, noise, and lighting, also form a major part of the duties of the unit. Medical examinations, including X-rays and pathological investigations, are also arranged for workers exposed to risks of lead, radiation, fluoride toxicity or silica dust, and for government divers.

Responsibility for the clinical examination, casework, and medical assessment of injured workers lies with the industrial health unit. Visits to the homes and places of work of injured workers are made by the health visitors of the unit.

The workmen's compensation unit administers the Workmen's Compensation Ordinance and is responsible for ensuring that injured workers or their dependants receive the compensation to which they are legally entitled.

The air pollution control unit operates under the guidance of the smoke abate- ment adviser, assisted by 10 assistant smoke inspectors. The unit is responsible for the administration of the Clean Air Ordinance. It offers free constructive advice to fuel-users on the efficient use of fuel and the reduction of smoke emissions from their plants.

The Clean Air (Restriction and Measurement of Smoke Emission) Regulations were made by the Governor in Council on October 16, 1973. They cover the taking of samples, the limiting of emission of grit and dust and the prohibition of use of fuels exceeding certain viscosity.

Industrial Training

In December 1972 the government completed processing the recommendations of the industrial training advisory committee and decided to establish a permanent body the Hong Kong Training Council to advise on measures necessary to ensure a comprehensive system of training geared to the developing needs of Hong Kong. The council will have greater responsibilities and possibly, at a later stage, statutory backing. To achieve its objectives, the council will, like the ITAC, work through a complex of training boards and committees. The training boards will be responsible for their respective industries and the committees will tackle problems common to a number of industries. The Hong Kong Training Council was formally appointed on October 12, 1973 under the chairmanship of Mr T. K. Ann.

Although the appointment of the ITAC complex came to an end on December 31, 1972, some of the associated committees were directed to continue with their work on an ad hoc basis, pending their replacement by the training boards under the permanent training council. This was to ensure that the work of updating manpower data would not be disrupted.