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The construction industry was a high-risk industry, with its accident rate per thousand workers and number of fatal accident topping all trades for a long time, the Permanent Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said today (March 16).
Speaking at the launching ceremony of the "Safety Partnering Programme" jointly organised by the Hong Kong Construction Association and Hong Kong Construction Sub-contractors Association today, Mr Cheung said that the accident rate per thousand workers of the construction industry in 2005 stood at 59.9, nearly double the figure of 30.6 for all trades. Of the 29 fatal industrial accidents, 25 were from the construction industry, representing a hefty 86.2%.
Although the safety performance of large-scale work projects in the industry has improved notably in recent years, the number of accidents of small-scale work projects involving repair, maintenance, minor alteration and addition works, however, registered a growing trend.
The number of industrial accidents related to these works for the first three quarters of 2005 was 1,070, representing 41.4% of the total figure in the construction industry. The figure rose to 1,307 in the same period last year, representing 50.3% of the total.
"We are concerned about this rise. The Labour Department will continue to strive to improve the occupational safety and health of employees in the construction industry," Mr Cheung said.
"To enhance the safety standard, minimise the risk at work and prevent work accidents, the department adopts a multi-pronged approach comprising legislation and enforcement, education and training, as well as publicity and promotion.
"Relevant parties including the Government, contractors, trade associations, related organisations, professionals, employers and employees should all fulfill their responsibilities to safeguard employees' occupational safety and health.
"In order to foster a safe work culture, we will also encourage other stakeholders to collaborate with the Government in organising and participating in various occupational safety and health promotional activities," he said.
Mr Cheung stressed that the Labour Department would continue to work closely with the trade to develop a safe and healthy work environment for employees of the construction industry.
Ends/Friday, March 16, 2007
Issued at HKT 11:19
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