[Archive] Implementation of the Occupational Deafness (Compensation) Ordinance (Cap. 469)

Asked by : Hon Emily LAU

Replied by : SEM

Question :

The Occupational Deafness (Compensation) Ordinance (Cap. 469) provides that a person who wishes to apply to the Occupational Deafness Compensation Board for compensation has to make an application within 12 months from the date of his leaving employment in a noisy occupation. It has been reported that a 68 years old retired worker, who suffered from a 50% hearing loss after operating jackhammers on construction sites for years, had missed the deadline for making an application for compensation because he did not have a fixed residential address after retirement, and therefore had not received any documents from the Government. Under the Ordinance, he has to be employed in a noisy occupation again for one month before he may apply for compensation. In this connection, will the Executive Authorities inform this Council whether they:

1. are aware of the above case; if so, whether they have taken any measures to assist that worker in applying for compensation;
   
   
2. will consider amending the above Ordinance to empower the Board to accept late applications on a discretionary basis; and
   
   
3. will review the adequacy of the current protection offered to workers who suffer deafness by reason of their employment in noisy occupations; if not, of the reasons for that?
   
   

Reply:

Madam President,

1. have had 5 to 10 years of employment in any designated noisy occupation in Hong Kong;
2. have incurred through employment, hearing loss of a specified degree; and
3. have been employed under a continuous contract in any noisy occupation in Hong Kong within 12 months before the date of his application.