ENG-1977 — Page 71

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EMPLOYMENT

The Labour Tribunal, which is part of the Judiciary, has functioned successfully since its inception in March, 1973. The tribunal complements the Labour Relations Service and in no way supersedes the existing conciliation services of the Labour Department. During 1977, the tribunal dealt with 2,611 cases involving employees as claimants and a further 188 cases in which the claims were initiated by employers. More than $3.7 million was awarded by presiding officers. Of the cases dealt with by the tribunal, 93 per cent were referred from the Labour Relations Service after un- successful conciliation attempts.

By the end of the year, the Labour Department had recorded 54 formal joint con- sultative committees in 25 establishments. In addition, 59 firms were recorded as having some method of informal consultation. Most are working smoothly and are achieving the object of bringing management and employees together to improve relationships, and to allow each to benefit from the experience of the other. Similar committees established in certain government departments have discussed a wide range of administrative, welfare and organisational problems.

A total of 68 special visits were made during the year to employers to promote joint consultation and other good labour relations. The Code of Labour Relations Practice, published by the Labour Department in October, 1976, sets out the principal guidelines for promoting harmonious labour relations.

Safety

The Factory Inspectorate of the Labour Department's Industry Division is responsible for enforcing the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation. These provide for the safety and health of workers in factories, building and engineering construction sites, and other industrial undertakings. Advice and assistance are given to management on guarding dangerous machinery parts, adopting safe working practices, and laying out factories to achieve safer working conditions. The Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Dry Batteries) Regulations, which became effective on January 1, 1977, protect workers from health hazards arising from the manufacture of dry batteries.

The Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Guarding and Operation of Machinery) Regulations, effective from April 1, 1977, provide for the safety of people working at, and operating, certain types of dangerous machinery or plant. To publicise these regulations, the Labour Department staged a large-scale machinery-guarding exhibi- tion at the Hung Hom rail terminus from March 11 to 20. It attracted almost 40,000 visitors.

The Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Cartridge-Operated Fixing Tools) Regulations came into operation on July 1, 1977. They impose, on the contractor or proprietor and the operator of the tool, certain safety and training requirements in the use of cartridge-operated fixing tools in construction work or other industrial under- takings.

The Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Protection of Eyes) Regulations, which became effective on October 7, 1977, protect people employed in any industrial process that may give rise to eye injuries.

During the year, the Industrial Safety Training Centre provided courses for workers from various industries, and students from vocational training centres and schools.