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With effect from January 2, 2004, proprietors of container handling workplaces who employ 100 or more people are required to employ a registered safety officer. They are also required to employ a safety supervisor in each container handling workplace where the number of employees is 20 or more.

These are provided under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Safety Officers and Safety Supervisors) (Amendment) Regulation 2001 to come into full operation on that date. A Commencement Notice of the Amendment Regulation was gazetted today (October 10).

"At present, the principal regulation only applies to construction sites and shipyards. It is now extended to cover the container handling industry as well, " a spokesman for the Labour Department said.

"The employment of safety officers and safety supervisors will improve the safety performance of the industry which in turn enhances productivity," the spokesman said, adding that many proprietors of container handling workplaces had already employed their own safety staff and should have no difficulty in complying with the new requirement.

The Amendment Regulation also provides for safety practitioners serving full time in the container handling industry without a scheduled qualification specified therein to apply for registration as safety officers.

"They can apply for registration within the 12 months after January 2, 2004. The Commissioner for Labour will consider each applicant whether he is fit and proper to be registered as a safety officer by his education, training, professional experience and skill in industrial safety," the spokesman explained.

Enquiries about the Amendment Regulation can be made to the department's Occupational Safety and Health Branch at 2559 2297.

Ends/Friday, October 10, 2003

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