Special enforcement operation on construction sites for new works safety at Kai Tak Development area and Kowloon Bay
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To curb unsafe work activities for protecting workers' safety, the LD will commence a four-week Special Enforcement Operation tomorrow (April 23) to step up enforcement at new works sites located at the above-mentioned areas.
The LD's spokesman said, "During the operation, we will focus particularly on high-risk processes, such as lifting operations, use of heavy machinery, work-at-height, scaffolding work, etc, and to monitor whether duty holders have provided safe systems of work for the work activities concerned. We will take vigorous enforcement actions pursuant to the law if any violation of the occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation is detected, including issuing suspension notices and improvement notices, and taking out prosecutions without prior warning."
The spokesman added, "To ensure the safety of high-risk processes, contractors and employers should conduct task-specific risk assessments, formulate safe work methods and adopt necessary safety measures and procedures, including providing appropriate personal protective equipment to workers and ensuring its proper use, so as to prevent and eliminate all work-related hazards."
The general duty provisions of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and safe systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the above provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for six months.
To safeguard the safety of construction workers, the LD appeals to contractors and employers to provide plant and systems of work for the work activities concerned that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and properly use personal protective equipment provided to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.
Ends/Thursday, April 22, 2021
Issued at HKT 18:02
Issued at HKT 18:02
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