The annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival was once again an iconic event on New York's summer calendar. Shortly after daybreak on August 12 (New York time), the Meadow Lake of the Flushing Meadows Corona Park was filled with heightened excitement and exhilaration.

     Coming from the United States (US) and multinational corporations, education institutes, medical organisations, government agencies, diplomatic circle, and a wide range of business and community groups, some 180 teams and over 1 500 paddlers saw the Festival as an excellent platform to promote physical fitness, display sportsmanship and appreciate cultural diversity.

     Being the founder and supporter of the Festival for over three decades, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY) was proud to join hands with other enthusiasts in presenting this extravaganza to the New York community. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of the HKETONY, Ms Candy Nip, said, "Dragon boat racing resembles a passionate quest for vigour, stamina, team spirit and harmony. These are also traits shared by Hong Kongers and New Yorkers alike."

     Ms Nip went on to highlight the "Hello Hong Kong Invitational" this year. "Echoing the reopening campaign of the city, this special race is a fun way for the Hong Kong Tourism Board to say welcome to our US friends," she said.

     The opening ceremony of the Festival was attended by, among others, the Mayor of New York City, Mr Eric Adams; the Borough President of Queens, Mr Donovan Richards, and the New York City Comptroller, Mr Brad Lander.

     Apart from dragon boat racing, the two-day festival also features cultural performances, arts and crafts, and culinary delights.

            

The following is issued on behalf of the Liquor Licensing Board:
 
     The Liquor Licensing Board will meet on Tuesday (August 15) to consider revocation of the liquor licence of HONORARY FAMILY in Fo Tan.
 
     The meeting will be held at 9.45am in the conference room, Room 102, 1/F, 258 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

     The Transport Department (TD) said today (August 13) that the department is giving traffic signal controllers a colourful makeover by affixing a variety of specially designed posters carrying road safety slogans to remind road users, including drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, to observe road safety and hence reduce traffic accidents.

     The Government attaches great importance to road safety and endeavours to ensure the safety of road users by adopting a multipronged strategy, through the application of new technology, improvements to transport facilities and traffic management, legislation and stepping up enforcement, publicity and education, etc. The TD has been collaborating with the Road Safety Council and the Hong Kong Police Force to promote road safety among road users through various publicity and education activities. Among them is the beautification works on traffic signal controllers which are originally grey or light green in colour. The works have been completed on 264 traffic signal controllers at accident-prone junctions in each district in Hong Kong by affixing a variety of full-height publicity posters with display of different slogans to disseminate various road safety messages to road users, such as following traffic rules, using pedestrian crossing facilities, and wearing helmets and personal protective equipment when cycling, as well as no drug or drink driving. While enhancing cityscape and beautifying the environment, it also helps create a community that is aware of road safety.

     The TD plans to launch the beautification works to other 360 traffic signal controllers with full-height publicity posters this year, so as to let more road users receive the relevant road safety messages.

     "Road safety depends on the co-operation of every road user. We appeal members of the public to follow traffic rules, and be attentive, patient and law-abiding at all times. The Government will continue to enhance safety awareness of road users through publicity and education," a TD spokesman said.

            

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     Members of the public are advised to report any street flooding that comes to their notice to the Drainage Services Department by calling the 24-hour drainage hotline on 2300 1110.

     As the rainstorm warning has been issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and contractors that they should adopt necessary work arrangements and take suitable safety measures to protect the safety of their employees when they are carrying out electrical work or handling electrical plant.

     A spokesman for the LD said today (August 13) that employers and contractors should avoid assigning employees to carry out electrical work (like electric arc welding work) or handle electrical plant at places affected by rainstorms, and should refer to the "Code of Practice in times of Typhoons and Rainstorms" and the "Guide on Safety at Work in times of Inclement Weather" issued by the LD.

     Even if electrical work is carried out or electrical plant is handled at places not affected by the rainstorm, suitable safety measures must still be adopted to prevent electric shock as the air would be more humid. Such measures include:

(i) Ensure that all live parts of an electrical installation are isolated from the power supply source and rendered dead, and the isolation from the power supply source must be maintained as long as electrical work is being carried out;

(ii) Before carrying out any electrical work or handling any electrical plant, cut off and lock out the power supply source, then test the circuit concerned to confirm it is dead and display suitable warning notices, and issue a work permit thereafter;

(iii) Ensure that protective devices (such as suitable and adequate fuses and circuit breakers) for the electrical installations or electrical plant have been installed and maintained in good working order, and portable electric tools must be double-insulated or properly earthed;

(iv) Provide suitable personal protective equipment such as insulating gloves and insulating mats for employees; and

(v) If live electrical work is unavoidable, a comprehensive risk assessment should be conducted by a competent person and the appropriate safety precautions should be taken to remove or properly control the electrical hazards involved before such work can proceed.

     In addition, employees should co-operate with the employer or contractor to follow the safety instructions and use the safety equipment provided.

     The LD has published guidebooks and leaflets on electrical work safety. These safety publications are available free from divisional offices of the department or can be downloaded from its website (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_8.htm).

     Should there be any questions about occupational safety and health matters, please contact the Occupational Safety Officer of the LD at 2559 2297.