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.
-
The percentage of permanent incapacity has been
revised upwards whilst maintaining the maximum level at 60% in determining
the amount of compensation.
-
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.