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Author Archives: hksar gov

Labour Department to launch online occupational safety complaint platform

     The Labour Department (LD) today (March 19) launched an online occupational safety and health (OSH) complaint platform so that employees and members of the public can report to the department unsafe operations and environments at workplaces by using online forms accessible to mobile electronic devices or computers.

     “The new online platform launched today enables employees and members of the public to lodge complaints against OSH malpractices more expeditiously and conveniently, so that the LD can take prompt action to prevent accidents. The interface of the new online platform is simple and easy to use.  Complainants can lodge complaints by filling out an online form on the LD’s website (www.labour.gov.hk) and uploading photos, videos or voice records through the use of mobile devices like smart phones and tablets,” a spokesman for the LD said.

     Upon the receipt of complaints, the LD will, having regard to their nature and content, arrange inspections of the workplaces concerned as soon as practicable for targeted investigations and follow-up actions. The LD has arranged to deploy the necessary manpower to meet the needs of the investigation and follow-up work.

     In addition to this new online platform, members of the public can still lodge complaints through existing channels including email (enquiry@labour.gov.hk), the LD’s OSH complaint hotline (2542 2172) or 1823.

     “Enhancement of OSH at the workplace calls for concerted efforts of both employers and employees. The LD reminds workers to follow and comply with the safety requirements set out by their employers. Employees are also urged to stay vigilant to their surroundings while at work, and report any unsafe operations and work environment immediately to the LD. As employees are most familiar with the potential hazards in their daily workplace, the information they provide is crucial to the improvement of workplace safety. It not only protects their own safety and that of other workers, but also puts the minds of their family members at ease,” the spokesman added.

     All complaints will be treated in the strictest confidence. “Except in conditions prescribed by the law, the LD will not disclose the complainants’ identity nor the fact that a workplace inspection is complaint-related,” the LD spokesman emphasised.

     To further promote the new online complaint platform, the LD has produced a new Announcement in the Public Interest (API) for broadcast on TV and radio stations. The department will continue to conduct surprise inspections and special enforcement operations to stem work safety malpractices. read more

Special traffic arrangements for race meeting in Happy Valley tomorrow

     Special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Happy Valley tomorrow (March 20). The arrangements will come into effect one and a half hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.

A. Traffic arrangements before the commencement of the first race

1. Road closure

     Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Queen’s Road East and the up-ramp outside Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) will be closed except for vehicles heading for Aberdeen Tunnel.

2. Traffic diversions

– Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Village Road and the up-ramp outside HKJC will be re-routed one way northbound;
– Vehicles from eastbound Queen’s Road East heading for Wan Chai and Happy Valley will be diverted to turn left to Morrison Hill Road;
– Traffic along southbound Morrison Hill Road heading for Happy Valley will be diverted via Sports Road and Wong Nai Chung Road;
– Traffic along Queen’s Road East cannot turn right to Wong Nai Chung Road except for vehicles heading to Aberdeen Tunnel;
– Traffic from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Queen’s Road East will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from southbound Canal Road flyover to Morrison Hill Road to turn right at the junction of Wong Nai Chung Road and Queen’s Road East; and
– Traffic from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Happy Valley or Racecourse will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from southbound Canal Road flyover to Canal Road East, southbound Morrison Hill Road, Sports Road and Wong Nai Chung Road.

B. Traffic arrangements before the conclusion of race meeting

1. Road closure

     The following roads will be closed from 35 minutes before the start of the last race:

– The up-ramp on Wong Nai Chung Road outside HKJC leading to Aberdeen Tunnel;
– Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Queen’s Road East and the up-ramp leading to Aberdeen Tunnel;
– Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Village Road and the Public Stands of HKJC;
– Westbound Leighton Road between Wong Nai Chung Road and Canal Road East; and
– Southbound Morrison Hill Road between Leighton Road and Queen’s Road East.

     In addition, southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between the up-ramp leading to Aberdeen Tunnel and the Public Stands of HKJC will be closed from about 10 minutes before the start of the last race.

2. Traffic diversions

     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented from 35 minutes before the start of the last race:

– Eastbound Queen’s Road East at its junction with Morrison Hill Road will be reduced to one-lane traffic heading for northbound Canal Road flyover;
– Vehicles from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Wan Chai will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from Canal Road East, U-turn slip road beneath Canal Road flyover, Canal Road West and Hennessy Road;
– Vehicles from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Happy Valley will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from Canal Road East, eastbound Leighton Road and Wong Nai Chung Road;
– Traffic on southbound Morrison Hill Road will be diverted to turn left to eastbound Leighton Road;
– Traffic along southbound Morrison Hill Road heading for Happy Valley will be diverted via eastbound Leighton Road and Wong Nai Chung Road; and
– Traffic along westbound Leighton Road will be diverted to Wong Nai Chung Road.

C. Learner drivers prohibition

     Learner drivers will be prohibited to turn left from Caroline Hill Road to Leighton Road between one and a half hours before the start of the first race and one hour after the last race. In addition, learner drivers will be prohibited from accessing the following roads within the above period of time:

– Shan Kwong Road between Yik Yam Street and Wong Nai Chung Road;
– Village Road between its upper and lower junctions with Shan Kwong Road;
– Percival Street between Hennessy Road and Leighton Road;
– Canal Road East; and
– The service road leading from Gloucester Road to Canal Road flyover.

D. Suspension of parking spaces

     Parking spaces on southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Sports Road and Blue Pool Road will be suspended from 11am to 7pm during day racing, from 4.30pm to 11.59pm during evening racing, and from 5pm to 11.59pm during night racing.

     Any vehicles found illegally parked within the precincts of the above affected areas will be towed away without prior notice.

     Actual implementation of road closure and traffic diversion will be made by the Police at the time depending on traffic conditions in the areas. Motorists should exercise tolerance and patience, and follow the instructions of Police on site. read more

SCED promotes Hong Kong as ideal business matching platform for Georgian enterprises (with photos)

     The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, in Tbilisi, Georgia, yesterday (March 18, Tbilisi time) emphasised Hong Kong’s strengths as a key business matching platform for Georgian enterprises seeking and forging strategic partnerships. Speaking at a seminar and networking dinner entitled “Hong Kong IN: Exploring New Business Opportunities”, Mr Yau said that given Georgia’s prime location at the crossroads of Asia and Europe and Hong Kong’s edge on various fronts including in having a deep pool of professional talents, Hong Kong and Georgia enjoy a wealth of opportunities to further strengthen connections and achieve synergy under the Belt and Road Initiative.

     Co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the seminar was one of the highlights of the three-day visit programme to Tbilisi by a Hong Kong and Guangdong business and professional delegation. It attracted the attendance of over 100 local business leaders and representatives of chambers of commerce.

     “Hong Kong and Georgia share a vision in becoming trading and logistics hubs between East and West in Asia and the Caucasus respectively. Our partnership particularly on this front can allow us to complement each other in capitalising on our traditional strengths, realising our vision, and co-benefiting from new opportunities under the Initiative,” Mr Yau said.

     “Hong Kong has a deep pool of world-class talent in maritime and logistics services, engineering, architecture, surveying, urban planning, accounting, law, consulting, etc, who are well versed in cross-border deals. With ample experience in planning, implementing and managing international projects, and resolving legal matters and business disputes, our professionals can certainly provide high-quality services, and contribute valuable business knowledge across regional and international boundaries to Georgia,” he added.

     He further pointed out that Hong Kong and Georgia have enormous prospects for further bilateral trade under the Initiative. The Hong Kong-Georgia Free Trade Agreement signed last year entered into force this February. It gives Hong Kong better access not only to Georgia’s market, but also opens the door to the vast markets in the greater Eurasian region, and all the way into Eastern Europe and further. With Hong Kong’s unparalleled knowledge of the Chinese market as well as Asian consumer needs and tastes, Hong Kong can help Georgia’s exporters promote Georgian products to emerging markets in China and other Asian countries.

     Prior to the seminar, Mr Yau met with the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Mr George Kobulia, to learn about Georgia’s latest government policies and economic development plans as well as the overall investment and business opportunities in the region.

     In the afternoon, the delegation attended a briefing on investment opportunities in Georgia, where they were briefed on the latest infrastructure projects and co-financing opportunities in Georgia.

     Mr Yau will continue his visit in Tbilisi today (March 19, Tbilisi time). He will meet with the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia and senior government officials of Georgia, and lead the delegation to visit some development projects in Tbilisi.

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