The Occupational Deafness (Compensation) (Amendment) Ordinance 2003 was gazetted to enhance benefits under the Occupational Deafness Compensation Scheme, with a package of improvements to take immediate effect.

The improvements include:

*Adjusting upwards the minimum and maximum levels of compensation in accordance with the rate of increase in the Nominal Wage Index.

*Revising upwards the percentage of permanent incapacity while maintaining the maximum level at 60% in determining the amount of compensation.

People who are successful in obtaining compensation can apply to the Occupational Deafness Compensation Board to have expenses incurred in buying, repairing and replacing hearing assistive devices reimbursed, up to a ceiling of $9,000 for the first purchase, and a maximum total of $18,000 for each applicant. 

The compensation under the Occupational Deafness (Compensation) Ordinance is being extended to four more occupations, provided they fulfil other conditions stipulated under the Ordinance.

These occupations are:

* Slaughterhouse employees working in the immediate vicinity of electric stunning of pigs for the purpose of slaughter;

* Mahjong parlour workers employed to play mahjong as the main duty;

* Bartenders and waiters working near the dancing area in discotheques; and

* Disc jockeys working in discotheques.

In determining a claimant's earnings for the purpose of calculating the compensation payable, the Board can disregard unpaid leave taken by the claimant with the consent of the employer during the last 12 months of employment. This can better reflect claimants' average earnings.

Only those expenses incurred on or after May 16, the date of commencement of the revised ordinance, will be eligible for reimbursement.

Relevant applications should be made within 12 months after the expenses were incurred. If the hearing assistive device is a hearing aid, it must be purchased on the recommendation of qualified professionals. The Board will designate the categories of people who may give such advice.

As applications for compensation should be made within 12 months of leaving employment, eligible employees of the four newly specified noisy occupations are reminded to apply as soon as possible.

Enquiries can be made at 2723 1288.