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"The works Branch estimated that some 10,000 construction workers will receive safety training in the next two years through this Scheme. They account for about 75 per cent of the construction workers working on government projects," Mr Wong said.
He said the Works Branch also encouraged contractors who at present were not under any contractual obligations to send their workers to the training course, to take part in the Scheme voluntarily.
"The Education and Manpower Branch has in principle agreed to allocate $3 million in this financial year to support the Scheme. We hope to provide safety training for an additional of 5,000 construction workers in the next two years," Mr Wong said.
In view that workers attending the course may lose a day's pay, Mr Wong said the Housing Authority and Works Branch would provide a subsidy of $650 for skilled workers and $450 for non-skilled workers to compensate for their wages foregone.
Workers who failed in the test may take a make-up test in the evening after work, they need not to take another day-time training course.
"It is estimated that the Government and the Housing authority will provide safety training to some 24,000 construction workers in the next two years through the Scheme.
"It is our plan to apply for more fund in the next financial year to expand the training programme," Mr Wong said.
At present, there are some 29,000 workers employed by private construction projects. Mr Wong said the Government in consultation with HKCA and CITA, would examine how to further promote safety training to cover all construction workers of government and private sector projects.
"It is our plan to provide safety training to almost all construction workers in the next three years," Mr Wong said.
The Conference was organised by the Labour Department and the Occupational Safety and Health Council.
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