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Mr Chan made the remarks following a recent accident in which a worker fell to his death while trying to dismantle a window frame of a domestic flat under renovation in Wan Chai.
He stressed that renovation contractors, like other employers, were also legally bound to adopt a safe system of work.
They must take all necessary safety precautions, including the effective supervision over the safe conduct of work by their employees when they are engaged in alteration or repair work as well as the safe use of proper tools and personal protective equipment.
"Renovation contractors should make a greater effort in ensuring the safety of those workers working in these premises. They should plan ahead for their work on safety aspect, including passing on of training, information and instruction in this connection to their workers," he added.
Failure to take steps to ensure compliance with the necessary safety precautions may constitute an offence under the general duties provisions of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance and the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations.
On the other hand, renovation workers are required to take reasonable care for the safety and health of themselves and others by co-operating with their employers in the adoption of safety precautions and in the proper use of personal protective equipment.
On conviction, contractors who fail to comply with the safety provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and 12 months' imprisonment while the maximum penalty for an offending employee is a fine of $50,000.
End