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LCQ18: Safety measures for working-at-height
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    Following is a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, to a question by the Hon Abraham Shek on the safety measures for working-at-height in the Legislative Council today (April 30):

Question:

    It was reported that in a joint operation carried out at the end of last year by the Labour Department and the Buildings Department to perform surprise checks at repair and maintenance work sites, only one out of the 18 truss-out scaffolds inspected was found to be in full compliance with the safety standards.  In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)  since the SME Sponsorship Scheme for Work-at-height Fall Arresting Equipment for Repair, Maintenance, Alterations and Additions Works was launched in October 2005, of the respective numbers of applications received and approved by the authorities for subsidy under the Scheme, the total amount of subsidy granted, as well as the reasons for some of the applications being rejected; and

(b)  whether it will enhance the promotion of safety for working at height in the construction industry to further publicize the proper use of truss-out scaffolds (commonly known as "supporting brackets") and transportable temporary anchor devices; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?


Reply:

Madam President,

    Safety for working-at-height and safety in renovation, maintenance, alterations and additions (RMAA) works have always been the Government's major concern.  In addition to a legislative approach to regulating the erection, dismantling and examination of truss-out scaffolds, the Labour Department  (LD) also seeks to enhance work safety in the use of scaffolds through education, publicity and promotion.

    During routine inspections and special enforcement campaigns, Occupational Safety Officers of LD also promote safety measures related to working-at-height to contractors and workers.  These include the safe design of truss-out scaffolds, proper installation of supporting brackets of truss-out scaffolds and fall arresting equipment (including transportable temporary anchorage devices) that workers should use when erecting, working on and dismantling truss-out scaffolds.

    The LD and the Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC) jointly launched in October 2005 the SME Sponsorship Scheme for Work-at-height Fall Arresting Equipment for RMAA Works (the Sponsorship Scheme) to encourage SME contractors to acquire and use fall arresting equipment, and to participate in the relevant safety training.  The Sponsorship Scheme aims to motivate relevant stakeholders in the industry to adopt safe practices, enhance safety awareness of frontline workers employed by SME contractors, and ultimately nurture habits in the use of safety equipment. 

¡@¡@ As regards the two parts of the question, my answer is set out below:

(a)  Up to end-March 2008, 346 applications for subsidy under the Scheme have been received by the OSHC and 326 cases have been approved. The total amount of subsidy granted stood at about $1,020,000.  Twenty applications were rejected mainly because of duplicate applications by the enterprises or the enterprises not belonging to the renovation and maintenance industry.  The LD and OSHC will continue to promote the Sponsorship Scheme and encourage eligible SMEs to participate.

(b)  The LD will continue its efforts in promoting to the industry and the public, through different channels, safety for working-at-height in the construction industry, including the proper use of truss-out scaffolds and transportable temporary anchor devices. These include-

(i)  further promoting the Sponsorship Scheme through the OSHC, worker unions, trade associations, professional bodies and Government departments;

(ii)  organising safety award schemes and seminars;

(iii) staging roving exhibitions;

(iv)  publicizing safety messages through the public transport system, such as broadcasting safety videos on "Roadshow" and posting safety posters at MTR stations and in train compartments of the Light Rail Transit; and

(v)  broadcasting TV and radio Announcements in the Public Interest.

Ends/Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Issued at HKT 12:16

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