With the approach of the tropical cyclone season, the Labour Department (LD) today (July 31) reminds contractors and site management that they must implement appropriate measures to ensure the stability of scaffolding before the hoisting of tropical cyclone warning signals and after their cancellation, thereby safeguarding the safety of workers.

     Contractors and site management shall assess the potential risks of scaffolds collapse and implement appropriate precautionary measures as soon as possible before the approach of tropical cyclones. A competent person appointed to carry out inspection and assessment of the structural safety of scaffolds must perform due professional responsibility by inspecting the scaffolds for any defects, and whether they have sufficient strength and stability to withstand strong winds, as well as making a report in a statement to the effect that the scaffolds are in safe working order according to the requirements of the law.

     During adverse weather conditions, contractors shall immediately cease work on the scaffolds and arrange for workers to take shelter in a safe place. After adverse weather has passed, contractors and site management shall also inspect the structural safety of the scaffolds and conduct necessary remedial measures to ensure that the scaffolds are stable and safe before use.

Before the approach of tropical cyclones

     Before adverse weather, contractors and site management shall ensure that scaffolds have adequate structural strength and stability and take necessary precautions to prevent the scaffolds from collapsing during adverse weather. The precautions include, but are not limited to, the following measures:

(i) Close attention should be paid to weather forecasts issued by the Hong Kong Observatory. Before adverse weather such as tropical cyclones or strong winds, a competent person should be appointed to carry out a thorough inspection of scaffolds and assess whether the number and strength of the typing-in/supporting components connecting the scaffolds to external walls, like putlogs, struts, rakers, bracings, ties and steel support frames, are sufficient. Improvement or enhancement measures should be carried out on the scaffolds as required; and

(ii) Before the onset of tropical cyclones or strong winds, protective screens or canvas of scaffolding should also be lowered and properly tied up or dismantled, with materials kept on the scaffolds removed.

After the passage of tropical cyclones

     After scaffolds have been exposed to weather conditions that may have affected their strength or stability or displaced any part of the scaffolds, contractors and site management shall arrange for a competent person to inspect the strength and stability of the scaffolds again and ensure that they are in safe working order before use.

     The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.

     A competent person appointed to carry out inspection and assessment of the structural safety of scaffolds who delivers to a contractor any false certificate or report is liable to a fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for 12 months.

Ends/Friday, July 31, 2026
Issued at HKT 10:00

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