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The following is issued on behalf of the Equestrian Company:
The deployment and performance of security services at both venues for the forthcoming equestrian events in the 2008 Olympiad were being monitored closely to ensure adequate and continuous vigilance, the Chief Executive Officer of the Equestrian Company, Mr Lam Woon-kwong, said today (July 24).
Commenting on Commercial Radio this morning on media allegations that there were security staff dissatisfied with working conditions at both the Shatin and Beas River venues, he stressed that since the Equestrian Company's requirements were stringent and that the guarding duties were mostly outdoors, the working conditions are indeed strenuous. A higher than average wastage rate has been factored into the planning.
Mr Lam said that the Equestrian Company had employed three security companies to provide a degree of reinforcement should one of them fail to cope with peak staff requirements. "We also have contingency plans in hand should all the companies be unable to fulfil their contract commitments."
Stressing that there were sufficient toilets at both venues, he pointed out that since Beas River had some remote outposts where temporary toilets had to be used, the conditions might not be good enough, but "we would follow up on such a complaint immediately".
"Outdoor working conditions are tough, but we do care about the welfare of the security staff. Every time we receive such allegations, we would follow up immediately to make improvements."
Staff of the Equestrian Company had met with the top management of the security company concerned and agreed on a series of improvement measures, including streamlining the post-duty briefing procedure, more frequent job rotations, and clear identification of toilet facilities at the Beas River Venue.
Ends/Thursday, July 24, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:40
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