​Members of the construction industry are invited to enrol in the Construction Industry Safety Award Scheme 2022/2023, which was launched today (September 15). The scheme is organised by the Labour Department (LD), in collaboration with 15 co-organisers that are major stakeholders in the construction industry.
 
     An LD spokesman said, "The scheme has all along been raising the occupational safety and health (OSH) awareness of contractors, site personnel and workers of the construction industry, fostering a positive safety culture and encouraging the adoption of safe work practices in the industry since its launch in 1999. The scheme also offers awards to contractors, site personnel and workers in recognition of their good OSH performance."
       
     The LD spokesman added, "The scheme is divided into four main categories: Construction Sites, Safety Teams, Safe Workers and Outstanding Frontline Foremen. The Outstanding Frontline Foremen category is newly introduced this year to encourage frontline foreman to take more effective safety measures on ensuring construction site safety. Entries for the Construction Sites category will be divided into eight sub-categories, namely Building Sites (Public Sector); Building Sites (Private Sector); Civil Engineering Sites; Renovation and Maintenance Works; Minor Renovation and Maintenance Works; Building Sites - Sub-contractors; Civil Engineering Sites - Sub-contractors; and Renovation and Maintenance Works - Sub-contractors. For each of the eight sub-categories under the Construction Sites category, and the Safety Teams category, there will be a gold prize, a silver prize, a bronze prize and a meritorious prize. For the Safe Workers and Outstanding Frontline Foremen categories, each winner will be presented with a cash coupon, a certificate and a badge."
      
     All construction contractors, sub-contractors and site personnel in Hong Kong are invited to compete for the awards, provided that no serious or fatal accidents have been recorded on the construction sites and the contractors or sub-contractors have not received any suspension notices served by the LD in the 12 months preceding the enrolment deadline.
       
     The closing date for entries for the scheme is October 5. The assessment criteria will cover various aspects concerning physical site conditions and safety management systems. Selection of Safe Workers will be conducted when the assessment teams are performing physical site assessments. The assessment this year will focus on work at height/work above ground, scaffolding, confined space, lifting appliance and lifting operations, and electrical installation and application. The results will be announced in March next year.
      
     Enrolment forms with entry requirements can be obtained by interested parties from offices of the Occupational Safety and Health Branch of the LD (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/tele/od.htm). They can also be downloaded from the LD's website (www.labour.gov.hk/common/news/pdf/CISAS_2022-2023_TC_EN.pdf). Enquiries can be made on 2852 3565.

     In addition, the scheme will feature a number of promotional activities, including a safety quiz competition, to enhance the OSH awareness of the industry and the public. The quiz competition is divided into Individual and Group categories. Citizens aged 15 or above and construction-related organisations are welcome to join. Enrolment will start on October 6, and application forms can be obtained from offices of the Occupational Safety and Health Branch or downloaded from the LD's website from that date onwards. The deadline for enrolment is November 2.

Ends/Thursday, September 15, 2022
Issued at HKT 14:30

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