Occupational Safety and Health of

Personal and Community Services SectorsOccupational Safety and Health of

Personal and Community Services Sectors

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Foreword

Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance

Occupational Safety and Health Regulation

Notification of Occupational Diseases

Hazardous Factors Affecting Occupational Health 1. Chemical Factors

2. Physical Factors

3. Biological Factors

4. Human Ergonomic Factors

5. Psychological Factors

6. Other Factors

Hazardous Factors Affecting Occupational Safety 1. Working at Height

2. Electrical Safety

3. Fire Prevention and Fire Safety

4. Slip, Trip and Fall

Prevention and Control of the Occupational Safety

and Health Hazards 1. Finding and Identifying the Potential Hazard

at the Workplace

2. Assessing the Occupational Safety and

Health Risks

3. Control Measures

Conclusion

Table of Contents

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ForewordAs Hong Kong is going through economic restructuring in recent years, most people who

worked in the manufacturing industry in the past have moved into the personal and community

service sectors, taking up jobs such as domestic helpers, indoor cleaning service workers, washing

and ironing, dry cleaning workers, elderly home care attendants, beauticians and hairdressers,

paging operators, masseurs, attendants of amusement and entertainment venues, etc.

The occupational safety and health risks associated with the personal and community services

sectors are relatively low compared to the manufacturing and other industries, yet because

of the former’s characteristics, the hazards workers face are different from those of other

industries. Such characteristics include, for example, close contact with customers, irregular

working hours and work frequency, working alone, repetitive and monotonous style of work,

having to handle customers’ complaints and their emotions, etc.

The common hazards to occupational safety and health in the personal and community services

sectors will be explained in the following pages, with an aim to increase the general public’s

knowledge of occupational safety and health, in order to prevent accidents and occupational

diseases.

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Occupational Safety and Health OrdinanceThe Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance that came

into effect in 1997 gave new legal protection in safety and

health to over 3 million workers employed in both the

industrial and non-industrial sectors in Hong Kong.

Purposes of the Ordinance:

• Toensurethesafetyandhealthofemployeeswhentheyareatwork.

• Toprescribemeasures thatwill contribute tomaking theworkplacesof employees safer

and healthier for them.

• Toimprovethesafetyandhealthstandardsapplicabletocertainhazardousprocesses,plant

and substances in workplaces.

• Toimprovethesafetyandhealthaspectsofworkingenvironments.

Occupational

Safety and Health

Ordinance

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Occupational Safety and Health RegulationThe first set of subsidiary regulation mainly sets out the actual provisions governing

workplace safety and health, which include: improving air ventilation equipment, providing

basic fire prevention facilities, prevention of accidents, improving sanitary facilities, providing

first aid facilities and managing manual handling operation. Employers and employees should

cooperate to create a safe and healthy working environment.

Responsibilities of employers:

• Establishsafetysystemofwork;providesafemechanicalequipment,togetherwithproper

maintenance and repairs.

• Provide informationand training

related to safety and health, together

with instruction and supervision.

• Ensuremeanofaccesstoandegress

fromtheworkplacearesafe;provide

adequate facilities to ensure a safe

working environment.

Responsibility of occupiers:

• Ensureboththeworkplaceandplantcomplywithsafetystandards.

Responsibilities of employees:

• Use the safetyequipmentprovidedby the

employer.

• Abidebythesafesystemofworkestablished

by the employer.

Safe System of WorkSafety Equipment

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Notification of Occupational DiseasesThe Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance stipulates that, when a medical practitioner

finds or suspects an employee is or was suffering from one of the 49 occupational diseases

specified under the Ordinance, he/she must submit a written notification on a prescribed form

to the Commissioner for Labour. The 49 occupational diseases are listed in the table below.

The Employees’ Compensation Ordinance stipulates that if an employee loses his working

capacity or dies from the occupational diseases specified under the Ordinance, the employer

must notify the Labour Department.

Radiation Illnesses

Heat Cataract

Dysbarism

Cramp of Hand or Forearm

Beat Hand

Beat Knee

Beat Elbow

Tenosynovitis of Hand or Forearm

Anthrax

Glanders

Leptospirosis

Farmer’s Lungs

Brucellosis

Tuberculosis

Parenterally Contracted Viral Hepatitis

Infection by Streptococcus Suis

Avian Chlamydiosis

Poisoning by Lead

Poisoning by Manganese

Poisoning by Phosphorus

Poisoning by Arsenic

Poisoning by Mercury

Poisoning by Carbon Bisulphide

Poisoning by Benzene

Poisoning by Nitro-, Amino-, or Chloro- Derivatives of Benzene

Poisoning by Dinitrophenol

Poisoning by Halogen Derivatives of Hydrocarbons of the Aliphatic series

Poisoning by Diethylene Dioxide

Poisoning by Chlorinated Naphthalene

Poisoning by Oxides of Nitrogen

Poisoning by Beryllium

Poisoning by Cadmium

Dystrophy of the Cornea

Skin Cancer

ChromeUlceration

UrinaryTractCancer

Peripheral Polyneuropathy

Localised New Growth of The Skin Papillomatous or Keratotic

Occupational Vitiligo

Occupational Dermatitis

UpperRespiratoryTractInflammationProduced by Dust Liquid or Vapor

Nasal Carcinoma

Byssinosis

Occupational Asthma

Silicosis

Asbestos-related Diseases

Occupational Deafness

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Legionnaires’ Disease

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Compensation of Occupational DiseasesAccording to the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, the Pneumoconiosis (Compensation)

Ordinance and the Occupational Deafness (Compensation) Ordinance, sufferers of the 49

occupational diseases are eligible for compensation under the law if they meet certain

conditions.

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Hazardous Factors Affecting Occupational HealthThe hazardous factors affecting occupational health can be broadly classified into the chemical,

physical, biological, ergonomic and psychological aspects.

1. Chemical Factors Workers in the nursing, cleaning, washing and ironing and dry

cleaning businesses are often exposed to chemical substances

such as soap, detergent, dry cleaning agent, disinfectant, dirt-

removing agent, solvents, insecticide and sewage cleansing

agent, etc. These chemical substances can be absorbed by the

body via skin contact or the respiratory system, causing damage

to the skin, eyes, throat or lungs.

Most of the detergents available in the market have not

been diluted. Using these highly concentrated detergents

in the cleaning process may lead to poisoning or burn (e.g.

acids or oxidants) caused by over-exposure. Some chemicals

contain metal allergens (e.g. nickel, cobalt, chromate, etc.)

which induce allergies easily.

Hairdressers and beauticians provide various services including

nail painting and hair colouring. The chemicals they use, such

as colourants and dyes, may affect the central nervous system

and irritate the respiratory tract, eyes and skin, leading to

allergic reactions such as headache and dizziness.

Beauticians also have to use various types of make-up products, some of which contain

different kinds of solvents, colourants, dyes, preservatives and other chemicals. They can also

cause skin irritation and even dermatitis.

To use chemicals safely: - Avoid using undiluted detergents

- Do not mix different chemicals together

- Keep the workplace well-ventilated

- The employer should give proper training and

instruction to employees

- Wear suitable personal protective equipment such

as gloves, breathing apparatus, apron, etc.

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2. Physical Factors The noise at amusement and entertainment

venues can make workers feel annoyed and

stressed, increasing their blood pressure or even

leading to occupational deafness.

Proper lighting is very important at any workplace.

Not only can good lighting enable workers to

see clearly, reduce eyes discomfort and prevent

accidents, it can also enhance efficiency.

Some beauty parlours provide laser beauty services and some amusement and entertainment

venues have laser effects to attract customers. These laser devices may have different

purposes, but whether they are used for beauty or performance purposes, these laser devices

should carry a laser level classification label from the manufacturer. The management should

give their staff proper training according to the classification of the device, and provide

them with instruction and personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of staff and

customers.

Also, in laundries, the use of steamers for

ironing and the operating of washers and

dryers usually make the factory hotter

and more humid. The problem of high

temperature should not be ignored,

especially in the summer. More windows

shouldbeopenatthefactory;orfansand

exhaust fans can be installed to improve

ventilation and lower the temperature.

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3. Biological Factors Nursing workers may contract bacterial or

communicable diseases infection when taking

care of the elderly or patients.

If pricked by needles or hurt by sharp objects when

handling garbage, nursing workers or cleaners may be

infected with tetanus, hepatitis B or other infectious

diseases.

Cleaners may be infected by leptospira through

contact with bugs, rats or their excrement.

Hairdressers, beauticians and masseurs may be infected with

respiratory diseases or skin diseases through close contact with

infected customers.

Indoor air quality - Bad air quality is found in many

workplaces of the personal and community service

sectors. Normal indoor air-conditioning may not be able

to dilute or carry away the harmful substances at the

workplace (e.g. the chemicals produced at dry cleaners,

hair salons, beauty parlours and during indoor cleaning

work, the steam of cleaning equipment, the smoke

released by smoking customers, etc.).

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4. Human Ergonomic Factors Manual carrying and lifting -

Nursing workers often have to

carry and support the weight of

the elderly or patients, etc. If their

posture is incorrect, their waist

and back will be hurt easily.

Repetitive motion - Ironing, sweeping and cleaning,

hairdressing, beautifying, massaging, and typing

on the keyboard by a paging operator all involve a

lot of repetitive motions of the hand and forearm,

which can easily strain the muscles and bones.

In addition, bad working postures

such as arching the waist when

lifting items from the floor, over

stretching motions and the improper

design of equipment can increase

the chance of getting hurt. Standing

for extended periods of time may

cause varicose veins in the lower

limbs. Poor ergonomic factors

can cause waist, back, shoulder

andneckpain,inflammationof

the tendon sheaths, and

carpal tunnel syndrome,

etc.

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Task List1.

2.

3.

4.

�

Award

5. Psychological Factors Moderate work pressure can boost the staff’s

efficiency, energy and alertness, but too much

pressure can cause discomfort, down mood,

anxiety and depression, exhaustion, reduction

in productivity and even health problems like

heart disease, gastric ulcer, headache, etc.

Work pressure can come from the work itself

(too much or too little), working condition

(noise, chemicals, etc.) and improper corporate

management, etc.

Ways to reduce work pressure:

• Strengthen communication and cooperation between

the management and staff.

• Moderate work load and improve working condition.

• Enhance the relationship between staff members and

introduce more incentive and award schemes.

• Honest communication.

• Learn to use self-relaxation skills.

• Pay attention to the early symptoms of stress.

If you experience more stress than you can

cope with, do not hesitate to seek professional

advice and assistance.

• Providetrainingtostrengthenthestaff'sabilitytocope

with pressure.

• Allocateworkinghoursappropriately.

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6. Other Factors 1. Shift duty Shift duty is very common in the personal and community service sectors, but this can

create physical and social problems for workers. Because of the change in sleep pattern,

workers who need to perform shift duty may have symptoms such as sleep disorder, stomach

discomfort, chronic fatigue and moodiness. If the condition gets serious, it can cause

heart disease. But many studies have pointed out that with a reasonable shift system and

appropriate sleeping, eating and family life schedule, shift duty can also be safe and healthy.

• Construct and strictly adhere to a sleeping plan.

• Keep the bedroom quiet, turn off the phone, install light-

blocking curtains so you can sleep during the day.

• Avoid coffee, tea and other stimulants

after the middle of a night shift.

• Construct a diet plan that focuses on

light eating.

• Discuss the shift duty problems with families and

friends to earn their understanding and support.

• Participate in social activities and enhance the

relationships with family members and friends.

• Do more exercises to stay healthy.

2. Violence at Work Service workers may encounter violence at work which

should be taken seriously. Some customers use violence as a way to express their emotion because of sickness, injuryorundertheinfluenceofdrugs. Workersshouldbe aware of such dangers to avoid getting hurt. Ask co-workers to help putting customers’ emotions under control when needed. The management should adopt a set of guidelines for handling violence so that employees know how to react in violent situations.

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Hazardous Factors Affecting Occupational Safety1. Working at Height • When cleaning high places, a steady

ladder or stepping stool should be used.

• Extendable tools can be used when cleaning

windows.

• Do not stand on a chair or lean out of the window

to clean.

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Qualified

2. Electrical Safety Electric shock, electric leakage and fire caused by electric socket overload can result in loss of

many lives and property. The management should arrange regular checkups of the electrical

equipment in use, including the wear and earthing condition of wires.

Preventing electrical appliances from causing fire:

• The installation of electrical appliances, connection of wires or

maintenance of electrical appliances should be carried out by

qualified and certified electricians.

• Install earth wires on electrical appliances.

• Avoid socket overload.

To prevent electric shock, pay attention to the following:

• Avoid operating electrical appliances under humid condition.

• Do not fix electrical appliances or electrical devices yourself.

• Use electrical appliances with

double insulation design.

• Useearthleakagecircuitbreakers.

• Beforemovinganyelectricaldevices,turn

off the electrical supply.

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Fire escape route

3. Fire Prevention and Fire Safety The prevention of fire is very important

toanyworkplace; employers and the

management have the responsibility to

ensure that every worker understands

the safety agenda of fire prevention

and the emergency fire evacuation plan

adopted by the company, and to run

regular fire drill exercises.

• Try thebest toavoid smoking in the workplace; if you need to smoke, use an ashtray.

Burningcigarettebuttsshouldbekeptawayfrompapersandflammableitems.Remember

to extinguish cigarette butts before leaving.

• Donotstoretoomuchflammablesubstanceintheworkplace.

• Do not obstruct fire extinguishing equipment.

Learn how to use emergency fire extinguishing

equipment such as fire extinguisher, fire hose, etc.

• Familiarise with the escape routes and assembly

point.

• Donotobstructorlockexitdoorsandpassages.

Exits should lead to an open and safe area.

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4. Slip, Trip and Fall Slip, trip and fall are the most common accidents, but with suitable arrangement, accidents

such as mis-stepping and tripping can largely be avoided. The prevention measures are simple

and do not cost any money, and will even bring other benefits.

1. Good working and housekeeping approach

• Pay attention to the right working procedures from the start. This can effectively

minimize the risks of mis-stepping and tripping.

• Make sure there is adequate lighting and properly designated working areas and

passage routes to avoid collision or over-crowding.

• C l e a r o b s t r u c t i o n i t e m s ,

randomly placed items and

wires that lay across passages.

• Choose a suitable flooring material and

replace or fix torn carpet as soon as possible.

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Wet Floor

2. Cleaning and repairs

• Train workers to use various cleaning

facilities correctly.

• Select suitable cleaning methods and

tools.

• Carry out al l repair procedures,

including regular checkups, testing,

fixing and cleaning, etc., and record

related information for reference in

the future.

• Whencleaningthefloor,putupwarningsignstowarn

peoplethattheflooriswet.

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MSDSDetergent

Colourant

Prevention and Control of the Occupational Safety and Health Hazards A responsible employer should set up a plan for the protection of employees’ occupational

safety and health. Such plan should include:

1. Finding and Identifying the Potential Hazard at the Workplace

• Inspecttheworkplace;

• Refertooccupationalsafetyandhealthpublications;

• Consultemployees;

2. Assessing the Occupational Safety and Health Risks Different occupational safety and health hazards should be assessed

with different approaches to analyze the level of risk associated. Such

approaches include measuring work frequency, physical strength

requirement, the toxic level of chemicals and the concentration of

their vapour in the air, analyzing

the results of accidents, conducting

surveys, and assess the existing

control measures, etc. The results

shou ld be compared wi th the

existing statutory requirements.

• ChecktheMaterialSafetyDataSheets(MSDS),etc.

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Non-toxic

HighlyToxic

3. Control Measures If the result of risk assessment shows an unacceptable risk level, employers should adopt

appropriate control measures.

A. Engineering Control

• Substitution of harmful substances

Substitute highly toxic substances with low-

toxic or non-toxic ones, e.g. detergents,

dry cleaning agents, colourants,

• Isolation

Separate services that release chemical vapour from other services to avoid or minimize

the chance of exposure by workers and other customers.

• Change of working method/equipment

Choose well-designed or extendable hand-held tools such as brushes, brooms, and mops

or use mechanical equipment for assistance.

• Local exhaust

Local exhaust equipment should be

used when diluting or using volatile

detergents to exhaust harmful

substances directly from the source

and avoid contaminating indoor air.

• Ventilation system

Import large amount of fresh air to

dilute indoor air contaminants.

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B. Administrative Control

• Body check

Provide pre-employment and regular body

checks in order to arrange suitable works for

employees and diagnose occupational diseases.

• Training

Provide adequate training to teach workers the

proper work methods.

• Health education

Educate employees on how to work and

live healthily.

• Vaccination

Prevent employees from contracting and

spreading serious diseases.

• Work allocation

Reduce the amount of t ime during which

workers are exposed to hazardous factors and let

them have adequate rest.

• Sanitary facilities

Provide adequate and convenient cleaning

facilities and lavatories.

• Risk monitoring

Develop and implement risk monitoring plans.

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C. Personal Protection

When engineering and administrative

controls do not work or are unable to lower

the risk to an acceptable level, personal

protective equipment should be used.

Personal protective equipment should be chosen properly. They

must comply with the standard and suitable for the working

environment and the hazards concerned. Employers should also

provide adequate training and supervision to ensure the employees

can correctly use and maintain the equipment. In addition, it is also

important to store adequate spare parts for replacement and keep

related records.

ConclusionYou now have some basic knowledge of the major occupational safety and health hazards in

the personal and community services sectors and their control measures. Occupational safety

and health is a matter of immediate concern that should be taken seriously by different sectors.

We hope that the management and employees of different sectors can identify the potential

hazards in their working environment and job nature, and adopt suitable control measures to

protect the safety and health of employees.

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Copyright 2005 Occupational Safety & Health Council 01/2005(1)

9 789629 682439

ISBN 962-968-243-5