ENG-1999 — Page 175

EMPLOYMENT

Boilers and Pressure Vessels Safety

The Boilers and Pressure Vessels Division administers the Boilers and Pressure Vessels Ordinance to ensure the safe use and operation of pressure equipment. The division conducted regular spot checks on pressure equipment; examination for the issue of certificates of competency; accident investigation and promotion of safety. The division provides technical support to the Fire Services Department regarding the safe use of compressed gases under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance.

In 1999, the division processed 2 363 equipment registration applications, inspected 6 519 factories and 5 098 items of pressure equipment, and issued 336 certificates of competency and endorsements. The division assisted the Occupational Safety and Health Council and the Haking Wong Technical Institute in organising training courses for boiler and steam receiver operators. One publicity safety seminar attracted 171 persons.

Occupational Health

The Occupational Health Service of the Labour Department aims at protecting the health of workers from hazards in the work environment through disease surveillance, treatment, workplace investigation, health promotion and education. It provides advisory service to the public, and supervises health standards and practices in the workplace. Apart from investigating occupational diseases and potential health hazards, the service also undertakes medical examination for radiation workers and government employees engaged in certain hazardous work such as diving, asbestos work and pest control.

The service arranges medical assessment for injured workers, provides medical support to the Recompression Treatment Chamber, and runs two occupational health clinics, one of which commenced operation in May. Concurrent with the establishment of the second clinic, a new occupational safety and health centre was opened to offer information services on occupational safety and health to the public, including an over-the-counter enquiry service and the provision of free initial health screening to workers.

Occupational Safety and Health Council

The Occupational Safety and Health Council is dedicated to furthering the occupational safety and health development in Hong Kong by education and training, promotion, consultancy, research and information services. It is financed by a levy on the premium of employees' compensation insurance policies in Hong Kong. With the support of a government grant, the council established a permanent office in February to meet the increasing occupational safety and health needs of the community.

In response to increased demand, the council expanded the number of training programmes from 317 in 1998 to 381 in 1999. Specialised training programmes in support of the new legislation were also held on such topics as manual handling, 'Safety Card' training courses on cargo handling, fork lift truck operations and competency courses for working in confined spaces. The council also offered tailor- made courses for companies of different trades and government departments. A total of 13 000 persons attended its training courses in 1999.

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