SLW visits construction site to promote occupational safety (with photos)

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, and the Deputy Commissioner for Labour (Occupational Safety and Health), Mr Vincent Fung, visited a construction site today (December 13) to call on contractors, employers and workers to pay attention to work safety.

The Labour Department (LD) attaches great importance to the occupational safety and health (OSH) of construction workers. In light of the recent spate of fatal and serious work accidents in the construction industry, the LD has set up Special Task Forces to conduct inspections and enforcement operations targeting construction sites (especially sites of new works and sites involving high-risk work processes) since late November to continue the efforts to vigorously combat unsafe work practices on construction sites.

The Special Task Forces inspected more than 100 construction sites across the territory from November 29 to December 8 with more than 150 improvement notices/suspension notices issued, including the suspension of lifting operations involving cranes on two construction sites. About 120 prosecutions were also initiated, mainly involving work at height, lifting operation, personal protective equipment and electrical work.

Mr Sun said, "The Government spares no effort in ensuring construction site safety through inspection and enforcement, publicity and promotion, as well as education and training. Not only the Government, employers and employees also have the responsibility to ensure OSH of construction workers. Everyone should take one step forward."

Mr Sun called on contractors and employers of the construction industry to take adequate safety measures and strengthen the safety management system of construction sites. Project managers, managerial staff and foremen of construction sites have to fully demonstrate the management's commitment to OSH and take the lead to conduct inspections regularly to ensure adequate attention has been given to work safety and the formulated safety measures are in place. Workers also have to raise their safety awareness, bear in mind the safety knowledge from Green Card courses, remain vigilant at all times, protect their own safety at work, and cherish their lives and families.

â€‹The LD will continue to conduct rigorous inspections and enforcement actions targeting construction sites, and will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of OSH legislation. In addition, the LD is carrying out a new round of publicity work to disseminate OSH messages through different channels, reminding employers/employees not to contravene OSH legislation, as well as enhancing the safety awareness of workers and frontline supervisors and fostering OSH culture.