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Construction Safety Week 2016 will be held from today (May 25) to May 27 with a host of activities under the theme of "Design for Safety". The programme includes a construction safety conference, visits to construction sites with exemplary safety performance and the Considerate Contractors Site Award Scheme Award Presentation Ceremony.
Officiating at the launch ceremony of the campaign, the Deputy Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Chan Chi-ming, said that the activities this year aim at encouraging construction professionals to systematically assess construction risks at various project stages in advance and devise corresponding risk control measures. To enhance the knowledge of construction practitioners, two experts from the United Kingdom and a local expert have been specially invited to share their insights on this aspect at a conference to be held today.
"We will also introduce the Temporary Works Excellence Award competition later this year to encourage construction practitioners to enhance safety performance through sharing their invaluable experience in designing temporary works," Mr Chan said.
Also officiating at the ceremony, the Chairperson of the Committee on Construction Safety of the Construction Industry Council, Ms Ada Fung, said that a recent survey conducted with industry members by the Council found that a majority of the respondents agreed that the campaign helped promote a safety culture and enhance their safety awareness, reflecting that the campaign has drawn tremendous support from the industry.
She said that the smartphone application "Construction Safety App" launched last year has been well received by the industry. In response to users' feedback, new features have been added this year. They include Safety Notes with audio-recording and photo-taking functions; a Repair, Maintenance, Alternation and Addition corner; and customised weather notifications.
Jointly organised by the Development Bureau and the Construction Industry Council, Construction Safety Week has been conducted since 2012 to promote a zero-accident site environment and a caring atmosphere in the construction industry. The campaign has received support from various professional groups, organisations, trade associations and labour unions. Details are available at the campaign website (www.safetyweek.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:05
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