EMPLOYMENT
In changing the safety attitude of the younger generation, the council developed an occupational safety and health training package with the Curriculum Development Institute of the Education Department for secondary school students.
During the year, the council organised 25 seminars, conferences and symposia on current topics of safety and health and undertook several research projects, such as manual lifting and hearing conservation in non-manufacturing sectors. It continued to provide consultancy services, in particular for small establishments on a cost- recovery basis. A safety auditing office was established to manage the Independent Safety Audit Scheme for government and Housing Authority construction projects. Campaigns to arouse public interest included 'Occupational Safety and Health. Week' held in October and November. There was increased co-operation from district-based organisations in staging promotional activities.
The council produced safety and health literature, codes of practice and guidebooks, a bi-monthly journal Green Cross, safety advice pamphlets, posters and bulletins for individual industries. A comprehensive library with a collection of up-to- date videos, journals, microfilms, books and magazines on occupational safety and health is open for public use. The council's database can also be accessed via the fax- on-demand and Internet network. The fax-on-demand number is 2316 2576, and the council's home page is http://www.oshc.org.hk/.
The Occupational Safety and Health Employees' Participation Scheme continued to offer financial assistance to employees' organisations running safety and health activities. During 1996, 69 employees' organisations received subsidies under the scheme.
Employees' Compensation
The Employees' Compensation Division of the Labour Department administers. the Employees' Compensation Ordinance and the Pneumoconiosis (Compensation) Ordinance. It ensures that injured employees and dependants of deceased employees covered by the Employees' Compensation Ordinance obtain compensation from their employers for occupational diseases, injuries or deaths caused by accidents arising out of and in the course of employment.
It also ensures that persons covered by the Pneumoconiosis (Compensation) Ordinance obtain speedy compensation from the Pneumoconiosis Compensation Fund. It administers a scheme to provide quick financial relief in the form of interest- free loans to employees injured at work and to dependants of employees who die from work-related accidents.
Employees with work-related injuries which are likely to result in permanent incapacity are assessed by Employees' Compensation Assessment Boards. The boards sit in 12 major hospitals throughout the territory.
During the year, 119 pneumoconiosis cases were awarded compensation from the Pneumoconiosis Compensation Fund for the first time. The Pneumoconiosis Compensation Fund Board, established to administer the fund, also financed rehabilitation programmes for pneumoconiosis sufferers, research, educational and publicity programmes to enhance awareness of pneumoconiosis and to promote prevention of the disease. Pneumoconiosis sufferers diagnosed before January 1, 1981, who are not covered by the Pneumoconiosis (Compensation) Ordinance, receive ex gratia payments on a quarterly basis from the government.
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