John Lee's Chinese New Year Message: Embrace New Beginnings in the Year of the Horse

CE delivers Chinese New Year message

Following is the translation of the Chinese New Year message delivered by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (February 16):

Chinese New Year is the festival we eagerly anticipate, a time when every household decorates and prepares to welcome new beginnings.

As the spirited steed gallops forward, leaving the old year behind, we stand united to embark on a new journey.

The horse, symbolising speed and stamina, boldly charges ahead, covering vast distances every day. It embodies the tenacity and resilience of Hong Kong people.

As we step into the Year of the Horse, let us continue to move with agility and steadiness, seizing opportunities, overcoming challenges, and propelling Hong Kong forward.

My wife and I wish for every sector in Hong Kong to lead the way, for every endeavour to meet with swift success, and for the Year of the Horse to bring good fortune and joy to all.

(The message is available on the website of the Chief Executive's Office: www.ceo.gov.hk/cny-message/26/en/)

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered his Chinese New Year message today (February 16). Mr Lee and Mrs Lee wished for every sector in Hong Kong to lead the way, for every endeavour to meet with swift success, and for the Year of the Horse to bring good fortune and joy to all. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered his Chinese New Year message today (February 16). Mr Lee and Mrs Lee wished for every sector in Hong Kong to lead the way, for every endeavour to meet with swift success, and for the Year of the Horse to bring good fortune and joy to all. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered his Chinese New Year message today (February 16). Mr Lee and Mrs Lee wished for every sector in Hong Kong to lead the way, for every endeavour to meet with swift success, and for the Year of the Horse to bring good fortune and joy to all. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered his Chinese New Year message today (February 16). Mr Lee and Mrs Lee wished for every sector in Hong Kong to lead the way, for every endeavour to meet with swift success, and for the Year of the Horse to bring good fortune and joy to all. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered his Chinese New Year message today (February 16). Mr Lee and Mrs Lee wished for every sector in Hong Kong to lead the way, for every endeavour to meet with swift success, and for the Year of the Horse to bring good fortune and joy to all. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered his Chinese New Year message today (February 16). Mr Lee and Mrs Lee wished for every sector in Hong Kong to lead the way, for every endeavour to meet with swift success, and for the Year of the Horse to bring good fortune and joy to all. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered his Chinese New Year message today (February 16). Mr Lee and Mrs Lee wished for every sector in Hong Kong to lead the way, for every endeavour to meet with swift success, and for the Year of the Horse to bring good fortune and joy to all. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered his Chinese New Year message today (February 16). Mr Lee and Mrs Lee wished for every sector in Hong Kong to lead the way, for every endeavour to meet with swift success, and for the Year of the Horse to bring good fortune and joy to all. 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