ENG-2002 — Page 182

EMPLOYMENT

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space, working at a height, operation of abrasive wheels and the use of fire extinguishers. The council also started new classes on occupational health to cater for the growing needs of employers and employees. Interactive computer-based training software has been developed to assist trainees in better understanding the concepts. and theories.

The council produced 'Do-it-yourself' training kits to assist organisations in conducting in-house safety training. During the year, a 'tool box talk' training kit in three series was specially designed in support of the recommendation made by the Construction Industry Review Committee on providing assistance to contractors and subcontractors in conducting site specific in-house safety training.

A new edition of the OSH Bookshelf CD-ROM was produced featuring a full range of safety and health-related publications published by the council and eight government departments. This OSH Bookshelf and major publications such as research project reports, bulletins and the Green Cross magazine were uploaded to the council's home page for easy access by the public.

The council launched the first Hong Kong Occupational Safety & Health Award in June to recognise outstanding achievements of corporations and organisations in the field of workplace safety and health. Major promotional initiatives were structured under the following main themes: the Occupational Health Day in February promoting public awareness on the prevalence and management of stress at work; the Construction Safety Day in September focusing on site safety; and the Good Housekeeping Day in December encouraging good practices at workplaces.

The council is committed to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in conducting safety and health enhancements through its OSH Enhancement Scheme for SMEs. During the year, a 'Business Installation Safety Design Competition for Tertiary Students' was launched to encourage students from the mechanical or science disciplines to design safe and practical equipment or installations that can benefit SMEs in their safety performance.

As the sixth affiliate 'safe community support centre' of the World Health Organisation, the council continued to promote safety and health at the district and community levels. New 'Safe Communities' in Sham Shui Po and Tai Po were established in November. In furtherance of its objectives, the council is prepared to embrace partnerships in raising safety awareness in the communities.

Employment Services

The Labour Department provides diversified modes of free employment and recruitment services to job-seekers through a network of 11 district-based Job Centres (two of which are Employment and Guidance Centres for New Arrivals), a Telephone Employment Service Centre, a Central Recruitment Unit and a Job Vacancy Processing Centre. In addition, special recruitment activities are held regularly to assist job-seekers in finding jobs and employers in recruiting staff. Employment services are also available on the Internet round-the-clock through the Interactive Employment Services (iES) website.

In 2002, 208 895 job-seekers registered with the Labour Department, 209 570 vacancies were received and 62 467 placements achieved. During the year, new vacancy search terminals, which are directly connected to the huge data bank of the iES, have been installed at all the Job Centres. These terminals enable job-seekers to