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Wednesday, July 18, 1973
EARLY REGULATIONS ON BUILDING ACCIDENTS
The Hon. Szeto Wai today called for the early enactment of
comprehensive regulations to reduce the high accident rate on building
construction sites.
Addressing the Legislative Council in support of the Factories and
Industrial Undertakings (Amendment) Bill 1973, he pointed out that no less
than 4,500 people were killed or injured in the building and construction
industry last year.
These accidents represent almost 25 per cent of all the industrial
accidents reported to the Labour Department and a 200 per cent increase
over those in 1968,"
The importance of this industry to Hong Kong's overall economy
has been recognised, he said, but the serious and rapid increase in accidents
calls for comprehensive legislation now.
Mr. Szeto said he hoped the Commissioner of Labour would prosent
to the Council, as soon as possible, proposals covering not only the more
common accidents at worksites, but also embracing all modes of construction
and all possible sources of accidents from which workmen and the public must
be protected.
"Measures of prevention and of first aid must also be stipulated."
He said legislation should include inspections and certification of
all types of machinery and tools to be used, and periodic examinations of
deop excavations and important earthwork operations as well as their required
protective measures by statutorily qualified people.
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