Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species
Hong Kong Customs seized four live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $40,000, at Hong Kong International Airport on July 10.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers intercepted a postal packet declared to contain plastic figurine toys and plastic home decorations imported from the United States to Hong Kong on July 10. Upon inspection, the batch of live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species was found wrapped by plastic tapes in a carton box of the postal packet.
The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs seized four live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $40,000, at Hong Kong International Airport on July 10. Photo shows the batch of live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs seized four live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $40,000, at Hong Kong International Airport on July 10. Photo shows the batch of live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species wrapped by plastic tapes. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs seized four live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $40,000, at Hong Kong International Airport on July 10. Photo shows the live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LD reminds employers and employees to take heat stroke preventive measures in times of Heat Stress at Work Warning
As the Heat Stress at Work Warning is now in effect, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and employees to take appropriate measures during the effective period of the warning to prevent heat stroke when working in hot weather or hot environments.
The Labour Department, Photo source: reference image
Employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor environments face high levels of heat stress and are at a relatively higher risk of heat stroke. Employers should assess the risk factors of heat stress for employees at work and, based on the identified risk factors, take necessary preventive and control measures, including rescheduling work periods, setting up shading covers, providing ventilation and heat dissipation equipment, and reminding employees to replenish water and rest in a timely manner.
The Heat Stress at Work Warning is formulated by the LD based on the Hong Kong Heat Index. There are three levels of the warning: Amber, Red and Black, which help employers and employees better understand the level of heat stress while working outdoors or indoors without air-conditioning systems.
A spokesman for the LD said that when the department issues the Heat Stress at Work Warning, employers must refer to the criteria and recommendations provided in the "Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work" to conduct risk assessments, according to the workloads and other relevant heat stress risk factors, for employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor workplaces. Appropriate rest breaks should be arranged every hour, as far as reasonably practicable, based on various levels of the Heat Stress at Work Warning, to reduce employees' risk of heat stroke.
Employees must also follow instructions to rest on time. Whenever there are any symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as headache, dizziness, thirst, and nausea, they should rest in a cool and shady place, drink water, and inform employers/supervisors to take appropriate action immediately.
The LD issued the "Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work", detailing the various risk factors that should be considered when conducting heat stress risk assessments and recommending corresponding control measures for identified risk factors for employers' and employees' reference. For the Heat Stress at Work Warning and related guidelines, please refer to the department's thematic webpage: www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/prevention_of_heat_stroke_at_work.htm.
The Heat Stress at Work Warning
