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The work safety and health performance of the catering industry has improved significantly with the joint efforts of the Government, employers, employees and concerned parties in the industry.
The number of industrial accidents dropped about 33% from more than 12,000 in 1999 to less than 8,100 in 2008. The downward trend continued in the first half of this year.
Speaking at the 11th Catering Industry Safety Award Scheme award presentation ceremony and fun day today (November 22), the Commissioner for Labour, Mrs Cherry Tse, said, "The Government attaches great importance to the co-operation with employers, employees and other stakeholders to improve the work safety and health performance of the catering industry. I am glad to see the significant improvement in recent years with the joint efforts of all parties concerned."
"With the global economy showing signs of stabilisation and recovery, Hong Kong's economy has gradually resumed vibrancy. Tourist numbers are picking up too. The catering industry is definitely one of the beneficiaries. However, growth in business also entails challenges to occupational safety and health. I urge all stakeholders in the catering industry to remain vigilant and always stand prepared to prevent industrial accidents by enhancing occupational safety and health standards," she added.
Mrs Tse believed that with the concerted efforts of the Government, employers, employees and all other stakeholders in implementing comprehensive preventive measures, the occupational safety and health performance in the catering industry could register continuous improvement.
Also attending the award presentation ceremony and fun day were the Chairman of the Occupational Safety and Health Council, Mr Lee Kai-ming, and the Executive Director of the Occupational Deafness Compensation Board, Mr Lai Ka-tong.
The Catering Industry Safety Award Scheme has, since 1999, been co-organised by the Labour Department, the Occupational Safety and Health Council, the Occupational Deafness Compensation Board and stakeholders in the trade.
Entering its 11th year, the award scheme this year has drawn participation from 234 catering establishments. A total of 207 management staff were nominated for the supervisor award.
The award scheme aims to commend catering establishments, supervisors and workers with exemplary work safety and health performance. It also facilitates the promotion of safety awareness among employers, employees and generally all practitioners in the trade, thus helping to foster a positive culture in the industry and among members of the public.
Ends/Sunday, November 22, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:38
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