XN000022-1995-01-18 — Page 31

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Second reading of Buildings (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Tony Eason, at the resumption of second reading debate on the Buildings (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 1994 in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Mr President,

I am grateful to the Honourable James Tien, the Chairman of the Bills Committee for supporting the Bill, and to all the other Members of the Bills Committee for their careful and detailed deliberations on this legislation in recent

weeks.

The legislative proposal regarding hand-dug caissons is that they should be banned subject to certain exceptions. The legislation aims to protect the health and safety of caisson workers who are susceptible to pneumoconiosis, hearing impairment and serious accidents. A total ban could interfere with other types of manual excavation which are valid practices and do not need such controls.

Members of the Bills Committee were concerned that the exemption of hand- dug caissons of 3 metres deep or less might defeat the aim of the legislation to protect the health and safety of workers. I will move an amendment during the committee stage which will reduce the risk to workers working in hand-dug caissons up to 3 metres deep.

Another exemption proposed is where the use of hand-dug caissons is the only practical construction method or there is no other safe engineering alternative. The decision as to whether a hand-dug caisson proposal falls with the special circumstances and thus can be approved by the Building Authority will only be made after scrutiny by professional officers at least three levels. Further expert advice may also have to be sought. The Labour Department will also be informed of all approved building plans involving the use of hand-dug caissons so that it can monitor the situation. The provision is to cater for very exceptional circumstances and the restricted geotechnical situation of Hong Kong. In some cases, the use of machines may be more dangerous, especially on steep slopes.

The Administration will closely monitor the safety and health of caisson workers and will consider requiring employers to arrange for regular medical examinations of workers engaged in hand-dug caisson operations. The Administration will also keep statistics on all approved hand-dug caisson operations and will provide reports to this Council on a quarterly basis if required.