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The Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Wai Chi-sing, at the Construction Safety Week Summit today (May 21) called for the construction industry's commitment to protecting workers' safety and reviewing ways to improve work procedures for greater safety. He added that more care should be given to the workers in order to realise the goal of zero accidents.
"Despite the downward trend in the past decade, keeping down the construction accident rate has become a great challenge in view of the increasing amount of construction work in recent years. The sector should further upgrade the existing safety measures, such as improving the merit and demerit system, strengthening safety training for workers, and conducting a more comprehensive campaign for promoting the importance of site safety," Mr Wai said.
The Construction Safety Week Summit was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today. Delegates from more than 30 organisations in the construction industry including the concerned government departments, employers, professional institutions, trade associations and labour unions gathered together to exchange views on how to reinforce site safety. They also signed a Joint Declaration pledging to protect workers' safety and health.
The Chairman of the Summit as well as the Construction Industry Council (CIC), Mr Lee Shing-see, said, "The campaign provides a very good platform for the sector to work together to promote a work safety and caring culture. We are organising a campaign for other stakeholders to sign the Joint Declaration with an aim of encouraging them to vow to support the goal of zero accidents in accordance with the declaration."
The President of the Hong Kong Construction Association (HKCA), Mr Thomas Ho, another guest at the Summit, said, "Site safety has always been our top priority. We should provide workers with a safe working environment. Apart from nurturing a safety culture, providing adequate resources and implementing a robust safety management system, we should encourage contractors to foster a caring atmosphere at construction sites and ensure effective communication among employees."
Construction Safety Week is jointly organised by the Development Bureau, the CIC and the HKCA and is being held from May 20 to 24. It aims to encourage industry stakeholders to work together to realise the goal of a zero-accident site environment. The activities in Construction Safety Week include a job fair, a roving exhibition, a summit, a conference, site visits and Considerate Contractors Site Award Scheme 2011 Award Presentation Ceremony. Please click on www.safetyweek.hk to view today's signing ceremony of the Joint Declaration and to find out more about Construction Safety Week.
Ends/Monday, May 21, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:46
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