ENG-1993 — Page 151

EMPLOYMENT

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The division published a series of booklets and codes of practice on occupational health and prevention of occupational diseases. Its staff carried out an on-going programme of occupational health promotion and educational activities, including delivery of health talks and lectures. With the Occupational Safety and Health Council as its co-organiser, the division also organised a week-long exhibition and a seminar on occupational health in the office environment.

A major responsibility of the division is to investigate notified occupational diseases and potential health hazards reported by the Factory Inspectorate, and to determine preventive measures. Surveys were conducted in various industries and a number of epidemiological studies on health and hygiene conditions were completed. Programmes to monitor various chemicals, dusts and other occupational health hazards were also carried out.

The division carries out medical examinations on persons exposed to ionising radiation, users of compressed-air breathing apparatus, and government employees working in compressed air or engaged in diving or pest control. It also deals with cases of silicosis under the Pneumoconiosis (Compensation) Ordinance. Registered nurses of the division handle medical clearances for employees' compensation cases. Its occupational health officers serve as members of special assessment boards, and of prostheses and surgical appliance boards under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance.

The laboratory of the division, which is a member of the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme, continued to carry out analytical tests on biological samples collected from workers and on other environmental samples taken during site visits.

Occupational Safety and Health Council

The Occupational Safety and Health Council aims to promote a safer and healthier working environment through education and training; promote the use of modern technology; disseminate technical knowledge; provide consultancy services; and encourage co-operation and communication among government and non-government bodies with similar goals.

The council comprises 20 members appointed by the Governor and drawn from employers and employees, academic and professional fields, and the government. It is financed by a levy on the premium of all employees' compensation insurance policies in Hong Kong.

The council has formed four functional committees to deal with administration, finance, publicity, and education and research. It has industry-based committees covering the catering, construction, electronics, metalware, ship-building and ship-repairing, plastics, printing, textiles, and transport and physical distribution industries. The council also established the Chemical Safety and Health Advisory Committee and the Occupational Health Advisory Committee during the year.

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In the year under review, the scope and number of the council's training courses expanded significantly as a result of close co-operation with the Labour Department. These jointly-organised training courses focussed mainly on general safety and health training. At the same time, the council continued to organise its own courses for managers and supervisors on safety management techniques; as well as competence programmes on ionising radiation protection, safe handling of asbestos, laser safety, management of dangerous substances and noise assessment. The council co-operated with other institutions in offering safety and health training to safety practitioners. During the