2018 edition of “Statistical Digest of the Services Sector” published

     The 2018 edition of "Statistical Digest of the Services Sector" is published by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) today (May 25). The Digest is now available for download free of charge at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/sp70.jsp?productCode=B1080007).

     The services sector is the heart of Hong Kong's economy. Accurate and detailed statistics play an important role in support of the Government's initiatives on promoting the services sector. The C&SD has accordingly compiled this annual publication.

     The Digest brings together in one volume the more important statistical series on 14 major service industries/domains of Hong Kong. Different types of statistics pertaining to a specific service industry/domain are presented in a dedicated section of the Digest, supported by graphical presentations, for easy reference and interpretation. Most of the statistics presented cover the year 2007 and each of the years from 2013 to 2017, to facilitate comparison over the past decade. Where appropriate, quarterly statistics from the third quarter of 2016 to the fourth quarter of 2017 are also provided to show the latest short-term economic performance of selected service industries/domains within the services sector of Hong Kong.

     Enquiries about this publication can be directed to the Logistics and Producer Prices Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7255 or email: services@censtatd.gov.hk).




Appointments of new Chairman and members to the Independent Police Complaints Council

     The Government today (May 25) announced the appointment of Mr Anthony Francis Neoh, SC as Chairman of the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC), and the appointments of Dr Anissa Chan Wong Lai-kuen and Mr Roland Wong Ka-yeung as well as the re-appointments of Mr Clement Chan Kam-wing and Mr Wilson Kwong Wing-tsuen as members of the IPCC.   
 
     The appointments are made by the Chief Executive according to section 5 of the IPCC Ordinance (Cap. 604) for a term of two years with effect from June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2020.  The appointment notice was published in the Government Gazette today.   
 
     Mr Neoh is a Senior Counsel with extensive experience in public services.  He has made remarkable contributions in many fields including developing Hong Kong's international arbitration services and regulatory standards for financial services.  Mr Neoh will succeed the incumbent IPCC Chairman Mr Larry Kwok whose term of appointment will end on May 31, 2018.
 
     "Mr Larry Kwok has been the Chairman of the IPCC since June 2014.  We are grateful for his devotion in promoting the work of the IPCC to the public and contributions to the improvement of the operation of the IPCC, enhancing support for the IPCC Observers Scheme, and strengthening publicity through various channels," a Government spokesman said.
 
     The IPCC, established under the IPCC Ordinance, is an independent statutory body responsible for monitoring and reviewing the investigation of complaints against members of the Police Force.  The IPCC Ordinance provides a statutory basis for the IPCC's role and power and the two-tier police complaints handling system.  It also imposes a statutory duty on the Police to comply with the Council's requirements.  The IPCC comprises a Chairman, three Vice-chairmen and 24 non-official members.




CHP reminds public on precautions against heat stroke during very hot weather

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (May 25) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

     "The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     "Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the spokesman explained.

     "The obese, the sick, including those with heart disease or high blood pressure, the old and the young are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. They should pay special attention," the spokesman added.

     The public should adopt the following precautions:
 

  • Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
  • Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion place additional demands on the physique;
  • Perform outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon;
  • For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation; and
  • Reschedule work to cooler times of the day.

     If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable, and start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Get into a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

     The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index remains high (6 or above):
 

  • Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
  • Wear loose long-sleeved clothing made of close-woven fabrics;
  • Wear a wide brim hat or use an umbrella;
  • Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above. Apply liberally and reapply after swimming or sweating; and
  • While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

     If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

     The public may get more information from the DH's Health Education Hotline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather and forecastUV Index and weather information for hiking and mountaineering; and press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.




Assess the risk of heat stroke to employees

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

     Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force:

     The Labour Department reminds employers that as the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force, they should assess the risk of heat stroke to their employees and adopt effective preventive measures such as providing cool drinking water, setting up temporary sunshade and providing mechanical aids to reduce physical exertion of employees. Employees should drink water regularly and be mindful of their physical condition. If early heat stroke symptoms such as headache and thirst appear, they should inform their supervisors and seek medical help immediately.




Very Hot Weather Warning issued

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Very Hot Weather Warning.

     To prevent heat stroke, avoid prolonged activities outdoors.

     If engaged in outdoor work or activities, wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

     Drink plenty of water, and avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.

     If you feel sick, consult a doctor right away.