41st batch of applications approved for trials of green transport technologies under New Energy Transport Fund
The Environment and Ecology Bureau today (August 2) announced its approval of the 41st batch of applications for the trials of green transport technologies under the New Energy Transport Fund.
The Steering Committee of the Fund has adopted a new merit-based approach to assess applications for funding with a view to making the best use of the Fund and taking into account factors including the latest technology developments. The five approved applications in this batch (see Annex) are for the trials of two electric light goods vehicles (non-van type) and four electric medium goods vehicles, involving a total subsidy of $4.84 million.
The latest approval brings the total number of trials pursued or being pursued under the Fund to 307, with a total subsidy of about $261 million. As at end-July 2024, a total of 193 approved trials under the Fund have been completed. Trial reports have been uploaded to the Fund's website.
The trial scheme on e-taxi charging facilities, the subsidy strategies for e-taxis and electric franchised buses, the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong and the subsidy scheme for trials of hydrogen fuel-cell heavy vehicles were also discussed by the Steering Committee. Members have provided valuable comments. The Secretariat of the Fund as well as other relevant government bureaux and departments will follow up on the suggestions with a view to launching the relevant schemes as early as possible.
The Government put in place the Fundin March 2011 to subsidise the testing, and encourage the wider use, of green transport technologies for a variety of commercial transport tools including goods vehicles (including special-purpose vehicles), taxis, light buses, buses, vessels, motorcycles, non-road vehicles (applicable to vehicle models approved by the Transport Department or the Airport Authority Hong Kong), or the aforesaid transport tools of charitable/non-profit making organisations providing services to their clients. The technologies to be subsidised include new energy vehicles or vessels, conversion of in-use conventional vehicles or vessels to new energy vehicles or vessels, and after-treatment emission reduction devices or fuel-saving devices applicable to vehicles and vessels. Transport operators and charitable/non-profit making organisations may apply for trying out different green technology products subject to a maximum subsidy of $10 million for each application and a total of $12 million for each applicant.
For more information on the Fund and the approved applications, please visit the website of the Fund (www.eeb.gov.hk/en/new-energy-transport-fund.html) or call the enquiry hotline on 2824 0022.
Source: AI-generated images
Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Jardine's Lookout today
The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened at a detached house in Jardine's Lookout this morning (January 20), in which a man fell from a wooden folding ladder while installing an air-conditioner. He was certified dead later in hospital. The LD is saddened by his death and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family.
The LD's spokesman said, "We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and have issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending the air-conditioning works at the detached house concerned. The contractors cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken."
The spokesman added, "We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation."
To protect workers' safety, the LD reminds contractors that ladders are usually used for ascending and descending only. Using ladders for work-above-ground is unsafe. Contractors shall provide and ensure that workers use appropriate working platforms or other safe means of support, including step platforms or hop-up platforms in conformity with international or national standards, instead of ladders.
The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.
In regard to today's accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application "OSH 2.0", website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers' unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.
The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees' compensation under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees' compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.
For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.