THE Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance (OSHO), which became effective on 23 November '97, is applicable to employees of different professions and is meant to safe-guard their safety and health in the day-to-day working environment.
The ACP Support has been designated as the Force Safety and Health Co-ordinator, with the responsibilities of:
Providing and maintaining working conditions, equipment and systems of work for both the Force's disciplinary and civilian staff, and making them consistent with the best practice of occupational safety and health;
Eliminating safety and health hazards or, where that is not reasonably practicable, devising and implementing procedures and guidelines to reduce such hazards to the lowest level consistent with the Force's duties and responsibilities;
Ensuring, in liaison with other Wings, that staff are provided with such information, training and supervision as is necessary to achieve the best practice of occupational safety and health in the Force;
Rectifying unsafe conditions and practices, once identified;
And reviewing and auditing the implementation of the OSHO as and when necessary, and at least annually.
Chairmen of committees like the one responsible for uniforms and equipment, together with other officers designated by Formation Commanders are responsible for implementing the provisions of the OSHO, such as keeping fire exits clear; ensuring that workplace hygiene is up to standards; maintaining first aid facilities in workplaces; training a sufficient percentage of employees in first aid, and so on.
Every disciplinary and civilian member of the Force has an obligation to take reasonable care of himself and his colleagues; to assist in the achievement and maintenance of the best possible standards of occupational safety and health; and to report any potential hazard or problem to his supervising officers or the Labour Department so that it can be rectified or resolved promptly.
In accordance with the OSHO, anyone in breach of its provisions may be subject to a maximum fine $200,000 and imprisonment for twelve months upon conviction.

THANKS to Personnel Services Branch, the Moscow Circus is offering Force members and their families discounts on tickets to see its performances in Hong Kong. The original $240 ticket is available to all (including children) for the flat price of $180 on Sunday 26 July, and $168 on Thursday 30 July.
ON or BEFORE 17 JUNE, send cheques made payable to "Police Welfare Bargain Co-ordinating Unit", along with number of tickets needed, date of performance, and personal particulars to: Personnel Services Branch, HKPF, 1/F Dominion Centre, 43-59 Queen's Road East, Wanchai, (ATTN: Ms Leung Kit-hing). Enquiries: 2804-1111.

RECENTLY the Inland Revenue Department announced that the interest rate on funds in the "Pay as You Earn" Scheme have been increased from 7.68 per cent to 8.28 per cent effective 1 June 98. All those interested in joining the "Pay as You Earn" Scheme must complete a GF 605 application form (available from your General Registry) and send it to the Inland Revenue Department. For further details, please call the Inland Revenue Department hotline on 1878033 or the Staff Relations Group on 2866-7519.