Some observations on the needs of ergonomics in industries in Hong Kong.

Abstract

The author's interest in ergonomics lies in the common ground it shares with occupational health, since ergonomics aims to make work easier, safer, and more productive and to promote efficiency, comfort, and health. In Hong Kong, owing to lack of natural resources and guaranteed markets, industrialization has not taken a smooth course. Only light industries exist, and one industry flourishes after another. Occupational health and safety tends to be neglected not only by the employers but by the employees. The government becomes the promoter of labor legislation. There is almost no information on occupational diseases. There are some elementary official statistics on occupational accidents. There is practically no research activities on this area going on. There is a very critical lack of occupational health, workers in Hong Kong. Ergonomics may help in improving the present situation because its aims are more positive to the industrialists and the workers who should be converted into educated consumers of ergonomics. In the long run, advancement in occupational health and safety practice will be made.