ENG-1987 — Page 122

EMPLOYMENT

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employers to take out an insurance policy for their employees to cover compensation in respect of injury or death resulting from accidents arising out of and in the course of employment. Employers must also display notices at the workplace giving details of the insurance policy.

Owing to a gradual decline in the last few years in the number and size of claims for compensation from the Pneumoconiosis Compensation Fund, it has been possible to reduce the fund's income by way of levy substantially. The rate of levy applicable to construction works with a value of $1 million or more, and to quarry products, was reduced from 0.15 per cent to 0.05 per cent from February 8, 1987. The Pneumoconiosis (Compensation) Ordinance was also amended to enable the Pneumoconiosis Compensa- tion Fund to be used to conduct and finance education, publicity and research programmes for the prevention of pneumoconiosis.

Labour Advisory Board

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The Labour Advisory Board is appointed by the Governor to advise the Commissioner for Labour on matters affecting labour, including legislation and conventions and recommen- dations of the International Labour Organisation. The board has been expanding its role and functions in recent years. It has played an active part in the formulation of labour policies and has given advice on all major labour legislation.

The Commissioner for Labour or his deputy is the ex-officio chairman of the board. There are 12 members, six representing employers of whom four are nominated by the major employer associations and two appointed by the government. Six members represent employees of whom four are elected by registered employee trade unions and two are appointed by the government. To cope with the increasing range and complexity of work and to encourage greater participation by employers and employees, committees on special subject areas such as employment services, the implementation of international labour standards, industrial safety and accident prevention, labour relations and employees' compensation have been set up. A number of employers and employees are co-opted from time to time to serve on these committees.

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