The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about the recent occurrence of a number of serious and fatal industrial accidents involving lift installation or repair and maintenance works. The LD is saddened by the death and serious injuries of workers in the accidents.

     To curb unsafe lift works and avoid the recurrence of similar mishaps, the LD has collaborated with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department to commence a two-week Joint Special Enforcement Operation today (November 24) to step up enforcement at all work sites with lift works being undertaken.

     A spokesman for the LD said, "During the operation, we will focus particularly on high-risk processes to monitor whether duty holders have established and fully implemented safe systems of work. The LD will take vigorous enforcement actions pursuant to the law should any violation of the occupational safety and health legislation be observed, including issuing suspension notices and improvement notices and taking out prosecutions without prior warning."

     The spokesman added, "Lift installation, repair and maintenance works are high-risk operations. Workers involved are subject to potential hazards like falling from height or being struck or trapped by the moving parts of lifts. They are susceptible to serious or even fatal accidents if they carry out such works without adequate safety measures."

     Under the general duties provisions of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, Cap. 59, it shall be the duty of every employer, proprietor and contractor to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of persons employed by him. Offenders who contravene the provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for six months.

     To safeguard lift workers' safety, the LD urges every employer, proprietor and contractor to comply with relevant occupational safety and health legislation when undertaking the associated works, and also make reference and adhere to the Code of Practice for Safety at Work (Lift and Escalator) issued by LD as well as the Guidelines on Safety of Lift Shaft Works issued by the Construction Industry Council.

Ends/Friday, November 24, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:55

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