Emergency landslide inspection service wins Safety Performance Award (with photos)
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Landslides have always been one of the common natural hazards in Hong Kong and around 300 landslides are reported each year. To protect members of the public from landslide hazards, the GEO has maintained a 24-hour emergency service since the early 1980s. The service provides geotechnical engineering advice to government departments on actions to be taken in case of danger arising from landslides, and assists various departments in restoring public services that are disrupted by landslides as soon as possible.
Frontline staff of the GEO often have to work in difficult and dangerous conditions, such as severe weather, when conducting emergency landslide inspections. With an effective safety management system, the GEO maintains a zero-accident record. The safety management system includes the implementation of a well-established management structure and the provision of clear in-house safety rules, equipment and training. The GEO has in recent years adopted new initiatives such as employing unmanned aerial vehicles to minimise the risks faced by staff when exposed to a dangerous working environment.
To meet the challenges of more extreme weather conditions, the GEO will continue to review existing measures to safeguard the occupational safety and health of frontline staff.
Ends/Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:21
Issued at HKT 18:21
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