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Employers and employees advised to take precautionary measures

The Labour Department today (March 25) appealed to employers and employees to work closely together to take precautionary measures to prevent atypical pneumonia (severe respiratory syndrome).

The management is advised to take the following precautionary measures:

  • Make sure that the ventilation facilities in the workplace are in good condition. Cleanse the air filters frequently and maintain/repair the facilities regularly.
  • For air-conditioned offices, keep the windows open from time to time to ensure good air ventilation.
  • Keep the workplace clean and hygienic through regular cleansing and disinfecting. Ensure that carpets, windows and doors are clean.
  • Ensure the proper functioning of flushing facilities in toilets.
  • Provide liquid soap and disposable towels/drying machines in toilets.
  • Remind employees to consult the doctor as soon as possible and take sick leave immediately if they have respiratory symptoms.
  • Report confirmed atypical pneumonia cases to the Department of Health as soon as possible.

Employees should also maintain good personal hygiene, take adequate rest and build up good body immunity. They should consult the doctor promptly if they develop such symptoms as fever and coughs.

Employers and employees can download health advice from the Department of Health's website http://www.info.gov.hk/dh/ap.htm.

The Labour Department will help distribute the health advisory leaflet on the prevention of respiratory tract infections in the workplace to employers' associations, trade unions and human resource managers clubs to remind them of the need to take precautionary measures. Copies of the leaflet will soon be available for public collection at the department's job centres and labour relations offices throughout the territory. The department will also help disseminate health messages at its website through hyperlink to the relevant information in Government's homepage.