Improvements have been introduced to the Occupational
Deafness Compensation Scheme (the Scheme) upon the commencement of the
Occupational Deafness (Compensation) (Amendment) Ordinance 2003 on 16
May 2003. The Amendment Ordinance has been published in the Gazette
on the same day.
The package of improvements are as follows -
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Adjusting upwards the minimum and maximum levels of
compensation in accordance with the rate of increase in Nominal Wage
Index.
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The percentage of permanent incapacity has been revised
upwards whilst maintaining the maximum level at 60% in determining
the amount of compensation.
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People who are successful in obtaining compensation
can apply with the Occupational Deafness Compensation Board (the Board)
for the reimbursement of expenses incurred in purchasing, repairing
and replacing hearing assistive devices subject to a reimbursable
ceiling of $9,000 for the initial purchase and an aggregate ceiling
of $18,000 per applicant.
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Eligible employees of the following four new specified
noisy occupations can obtain compensation for occupational deafness
if they also fulfill the other conditions stipulated under the Occupational
Deafness (Compensation) Ordinance -
-
Slaughterhouse employees working in the immediate
vicinity of electric stunning of pigs for the purpose of slaughter;
-
Mahjong parlour workers employed to play mahjong
as the main duty;
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Bartenders and waiters working near the dancing
area in discotheques; and
-
Disc jockeys working in discotheques.
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The Board has been empowered to conduct or finance
rehabilitation programmes.
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In determining a claimant's earnings for the purpose
of calculating the compensation payable, the Board can disregard no-pay
leave taken by the claimant with the consent of the employer during
the last 12 months of employment in aggregate. This can better reflect
the average earnings of claimants.
Expenses in relation to hearing assistive devices apply
only in respect of expenses of the acquisition, fitting, repair or maintenance
of a hearing assistive device incurred on or after the commencement
of the Occupational Deafness (Compensation) (Amendment) Ordinance 2003
on 16 May 2003. Relevant applications should be made within a period
of 12 months after the expenses were incurred. If the hearing assistive
device is a hearing aid, it must be purchased on the recommendation
of qualified professionals. The Board will designate the categories
of persons who may give such an advice.
As applications for compensation should be made within
twelve months after leaving employment, eligible employees of the four
new specified noisy occupations are reminded to apply as soon as possible.
To be eligible for compensation, a person has to fulfill both the occupational
and disability requirements.
The Scheme is administered by the Occupational Deafness
Compensation Board. For enquiries, please call the Board on 2723 1288.