Gov’t to intensify implementation of safe construction measure

Over 100 prosecutions against duty holders were taken out as at 31 May.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun assured lawmakers at the Legislative Council that the government will promote the wider adoption of Design for Safety in the construction industry following recent serious industrial accidents that have occurred. 

The official said the Occupational Safety & Occupational Health Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance already took effect on 28 April last year.

As of the end of May, the Labour department said it took out 111 prosecutions against the duty holders under the said ordinance in respect of eight fatal industrial accidents.

In one of the cases, the court hearing was concluded which involved two proprietors of a non-construction industrial undertaking. They were prosecuted for violating the ordinance and each fined $50,000.

Following recent accidents, the Labour department said it will seek legal advice from the Department of Justice and consider taking out prosecutions against duty holders by way of indictment upon completion of investigations.

When it comes to private projects, the labour chief said safety of workers can be further promoted through the reference materials on Design for Safety promulgated by the Construction Industry Council CIC). 

There was no consensus in the construction industry on regulating Design for Safety by legislative means. 

Sun said the government is considering a more pragmatic strategy to continue working with the CIC and other stakeholders to promote wider adoption of Design for Safety in the construction industry, instead of legislative means.