Correctional officers stopped a remand person in custody assaulting another remand person in custody in Stanley Prison today (May 11). At around 7.40am, a 52-year-old male person in custody… read more
The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Monday, May 11, 2020 is 108.5 (down 0.1 against last Saturday’s index).
The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Saturday, May 9, 2020 was 108.6 (up 0.1 against last Friday’s index). read more
Police noticed that some netizens called for participation in public events in various districts yesterday (May 10). Starting yesterday afternoon, protesters had gathered and chanted slogans at various shopping malls in Kowloon and on Hong Kong Island. They were suspected to have violated the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (the Regulation) (Cap.599G), which stipulates that any group gathering of more than eight persons in any public place is prohibited. Police condemn protestors for disregarding the Government’s disease prevention and control measures, and participating in or organising prohibited group gatherings.
At about 4pm yesterday, Police noticed that there were groups of people gathering inside a shopping mall on Prince Edward Road West in Mong Kok and suspected to have violated the Regulation. Police urged them to leave. Having given numerous warnings but in vain, Police conducted dispersal actions. Police once deployed pepper rounds after a group of people surrounded Police officers and ignored warnings.
Later, Police intercepted a number of protestors inside the shopping mall. A 22-year-old man was found to have materials purportedly for making petrol bombs in his possession, including gasoline, some towels and lighters. The man was arrested for possession of instrument fit for unlawful purpose and possession of dangerous drugs. Police do not rule out the possibility that someone was planning to use these objects during public events to seriously endanger public safety.
Last night, protestors continued to gather in the vicinity of Mong Kok. They blocked roads and set fire with miscellaneous objects.
As at noon today (May 11), Police issued fixed penalty tickets to 19 persons for violating the Regulation in various districts. Besides, approximately 230 persons, aged between 12 and 65 were arrested for offences including unlawful assembly, possession of instrument fit for unlawful purposes, possessing anything with intent to destroy or damage property, possession of offensive weapon, possession of dangerous drug, disorder in public places, obstructing a police officer in the execution of the officer’s duty, assaulting police officer and failing to produce proof of identity etc.
Police stress that in view of the severe situation of the virus, any group gathering may increase the risk of spreading the virus. Members of the public are advised not to participate in any prohibited group gathering. Police adopt zero tolerance against any violation and will take strict enforcement action. read more
A correctional officer stopped a 34-year-old male remand person in custody from attempting suicide by hanging in Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre today (May 11). At 3.57am today, a correctional… read more
As the Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Very Hot Weather Warning, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and employees to take appropriate precautions to prevent heat stroke when working in a hot or humid environment.
Heat stroke could occur if an employee works in a hot or humid environment for prolonged periods of time, as the body may fail to regulate its temperature by effective heat dissipation through sweating.
The symptoms of heat-related illnesses include feeling thirsty, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, muscle spasm or even mental confusion, and loss of consciousness or convulsion in severe cases.
Construction workers, cleaning workers, kitchen workers and porters, for example, are more prone to heat stroke as they may be working for long hours in such an environment, especially if appropriate preventive measures have not been taken.
The LD reminds employers to arrange for a suitable assessment of the risk of heat stress in the work environment and take appropriate preventive measures. The LD has produced two leaflets entitled “Checklist for Heat Stress Assessment at Construction Sites” and “Checklist for Heat Stress Assessment at Outdoor Cleansing Workplaces” respectively. Employers engaged in construction or outdoor cleaning work are advised to refer to these checklists in assessing the risk of heat stress at their workplaces. As for heat stress assessment at a workplace in general, employers can refer to a booklet entitled “Risk Assessment for the Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work” produced by the LD.
The LD also reminds employers and employees to take the following precautions to prevent heat stroke:
Employers
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(1) Take heed of the weather report and adopt shift work arrangements for employees to reduce their exposure to the hot environment, or arrange appropriate rest breaks for them during very hot periods;
(2) Avoid working under direct sunlight and set up temporary sunshade wherever possible;
(3) Provide cool potable water for employees at all times during work. If necessary, provide drinks containing electrolyte for employees to replenish loss of salt during profuse sweating;
(4) Minimise physical demands by using tools or mechanical aids at work;
(5) Increase air flow by enhancing ventilation or air-conditioning as appropriate;
(6) Isolate heat-generating facilities at the workplace and use insulating materials to minimise heat dissipation to the other work areas; and
(7) Provide relevant information and training for employees on heat stroke such as preventive measures and first aid treatment.
Employees
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(1) Wear clothing made of suitable materials (for example, cotton) that is loose-fitting and light-coloured to help heat dissipation, minimise heat absorption and allow sweat evaporation;
(2) Wear a wide-brimmed hat when working outdoors;
(3) Drink plenty of water or other appropriate beverages with electrolytes to replenish the fluids and salt lost through sweating; and
(4) Whenever there are any symptoms of heat-related illnesses, rest in a cool or shady place and drink water, inform supervisors to take appropriate actions immediately.
Some employees may have difficulty in adapting to a hot working environment owing to their own health conditions. Employers should take this into account and consider the recommendations of their doctors when assigning work to these employees.
In addition to the publications on risk assessment, the LD has produced a leaflet entitled “Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work in a Hot Environment” for the public. The publications can be obtained free of charge from the offices of the Occupational Health Service of the LD, or downloaded from the department’s webpage at www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_9.htm. read more