Asia-Pacific Prosecutors Conference Kicks Off in Hong Kong, Tackling Technology-Related Crime Challenges

11th Asia and Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors commences in Hong Kong

The 11th Asia and Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP), co-hosted by the IAP and the Department of Justice, officially commenced today (November 28) in Hong Kong, gathering around 240 participants, including local and overseas esteemed guests, senior government officials, legal professionals and experts, for the opening ceremony.

The three-day conference, with related programmes starting yesterday, is themed "Effective Prosecution Service in the Technological Age" and has drawn about 140 participants from around 30 jurisdictions, underscoring the global commitment to combating technology crimes. The conference aims to address the challenges posed by the rapid evolution of technology in criminal activities and to enhance the ability of prosecutors to advance evidence against such criminals.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee; the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC; and the First Deputy Prosecutor General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate of the People's Republic of China, Class One Grand Prosecutor andVice-President of the IAP, Mr Tong Jianming, delivered their welcome speeches today at the opening ceremony, marking the beginning of a series of discussions and exchanges focused on strengthening international efforts against technology-related crimes. The keynote speech was delivered by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms Maggie Yang.

Hong Kong previously held the IAP Regional Conference in 2004, and subsequently the Annual Conference and General Meeting in 2007. Nearly two decades later, Hong Kong continues to commit to combating crimes under its common law system preserved by the "one country, two systems" principle. As new technologies have emerged in recent years, the world is facing unprecedented challenges posed by technology crimes. The conference provides participants with an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences to stay ahead of cybercriminals and enhance prosecutorial capabilities.

The conference will cover a range of pertinent topics, including the challenges posed by decentralisation in the technological age, the handling of digital evidence, and the impact of technological advancements on criminal evidence and procedure today and tomorrow (November 29). Prosecutors at home and abroad will have the opportunity to exchange views and best practices, fostering a united and determined front against technology crime.

11th Asia and Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors commences in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

11th Asia and Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors commences in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

11th Asia and Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors commences in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

11th Asia and Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors commences in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

11th Asia and Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors commences in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

11th Asia and Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors commences in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

11th Asia and Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors commences in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Employers, contractors and employees should be aware of electrical safety at work during rainstorms

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.

The Labour Department (LD), Photo source: reference image

A spokesman for the LD said today (April 4) that employers and contractors should avoid assigning employees to carry out electrical work (such as electric arc welding work) or handle electrical plant at places affected by rainstorms, and should refer to the "Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and 'Extreme Conditions'" 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 a rainstorm, suitable safety measures must still be adopted to prevent an 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 that 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.

Photo source: reference image