A spokesman for the Development Bureau (DEVB) said today (September 8) that the Government attaches great importance to construction safety. In response to the fatal incident at a construction site in Sau Mau Ping yesterday (September 7), the DEVB immediately instructed works departments to carry out inspection of all public works sites with tower crane operation. Besides, the DEVB initiated the procedures for imposing regulating actions pursuant to the established mechanism to suspend the main contractor of the Sau Mau Ping construction site in question, Aggressive Construction Company Limited, from tendering for public works contracts. 
 
     The spokesman said, "Works departments have completed the inspection of the 31 public works sites under their purview with tower crane operation to ensure that the relevant cranes are safe for use with an aim to preventing the recurrence of similar incidents."
 
     The main contractor of the Sau Mau Ping construction site in question is currently undertaking four public works contracts. The relevant works department inspected the four public works sites yesterday (one of the sites had tower crane operation) and no irregularities were observed. 
 
     The spokesman said that the main contractor is an approved contractor for public works. In view of the severity of the Sau Mau Ping incident, the DEVB has initiated the procedures for imposing regulating actions against the contractor in accordance with the Contractor Management Handbook.  Notice has been given to the contactor, specifying that the contractor's eligibility for tendering for public works contracts in all categories will be suspended until December 31, 2023. The notice also mentions that further regulating actions will be imposed as necessary subject to the investigation results of the Sau Mau Ping incident, including extension of the period of suspension from tendering for public works contracts and even removal from the list of approved contractors for public works. 
 
       The spokesman reiterates that construction safety can never be compromised. To safeguard the safety of the workers, the DEVB always requires contractors of public works to implement construction safety measures properly. The DEVB adopts a multi-pronged approach and regularly reviews the safety management system of public works, including project design, tender evaluation, contract provisions, works supervision, technology application, regulatory regime for contractors, as well as publicity and promotion with a view to uplifting construction safety. 

Ends/Thursday, September 8, 2022
Issued at HKT 23:21

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