ENG-2013 — Page 156

6

Employment

As at December 2013, there were 320,988 foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong, an increase of 2.75 per cent from 2012. The Philippines and Indonesia respectively accounted for 51.3 per cent and 46.4 per cent of the number of foreign domestic helpers.

Occupational Safety and Health

The Labour Department continues to improve safety and health standards in the workplace through inspection and enforcement, publicity and promotion, and education and training. Safety and health at work in Hong Kong has improved considerably in the last decade as a result of the concerted efforts of employers, employees, contractors, safety practitioners and the government.

In 2013, there were 38,207 occupational injuries, a drop of 13.6 per cent from the 44,025 cases a decade ago. Over the same period, the number of industrial accidents fell from 17,533 to 11,820, a decrease of 32.6 per cent. In 2013, a total of 198 cases of occupational diseases were confirmed.

Inspection and Enforcement

The Labour Department inspects workplaces regularly to ensure compliance with occupational safety and health laws, particularly in high-risk industries and organisations with poor safety records. The department also conducts special enforcement operations targeting accident- prone workplaces and trades, such as new works construction sites, repair, maintenance, alteration and addition works sites, waste treatment workplaces, logistics, cargo and container handling workplaces, and food and beverages services activities, etc. Enforcement was stepped up in the summer to protect outdoor workers from heat strokes.

In 2013, the department served 1,834 Improvement Notices on companies and organisations, ordering them to improve safety conditions in their workplaces promptly, and 692 Suspension Notices on those where work activities or the use of plant or substances posed imminent risks of death or serious bodily injury to employees. The courts heard 2,571 cases, convicting the defendants in 81.2 per cent of these and handing down penalties totalling $16.7 million.

Promotion and Education

The department, in collaboration with the Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC), ran a large-scale publicity programme to enhance safety and health awareness among employers and workers. The department held a Work-at-Height Safety Forum and Major Infrastructure Projects Forum to consider measures to enhance relevant occupational safety standards. It continued to promote the Occupational Safety Charter and Workplace Hygiene Charter which urge employers and employees to maintain a safe and healthy environment at their workplaces, and organised safety award schemes for the construction and catering industries.

In 2013, the Labour Department held over 1,944 courses, lectures and health talks for some 65,223 employees to help them better understand occupational safety and health and the relevant laws. The department collaborated with the OSHC and relevant trade unions to promote healthy living for professional drivers. The department also collaborated with the OSHC, the Construction Industry Council, and relevant employers' associations and workers'

120