XN000022-1996-06-28 — Page 16

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Site inspection strengthened to ensure safety

A total of 484 construction sites were inspected and 168 summonses would be issued to contractors for violating industrial safety laws as a result of the special operation by factory inspectors of the Labour Department during the past week.

The operation was launched last Friday (June 21) following the high-level inter-departmental meeting chaired by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Jospeh Wong, on industrial safety.

A 12-point action plan was drawn up in the meeting to ensure sufficient safety measures were taken in high-risk construction sites.

Deputy Commissioner for Labour (Occupational Safety and Health), Mr Lee Kai-fat, said this (Friday) afternoon that the special task force comprising 10 factory inspectors have inspected 67 sites and 47 summonses would be issued.

The operation of this task force, which is being targeted at active sites as well as sites with unsatisfactory safety records, will complete by the end of July.

Meanwhile, more than 100 factory inspectors being mobilised for a special inspection exercise on working at heights and in confined spaces have inspected 417 sites and 121 summonses would be issued. This exercise will last until July 4.

"The Factory Inspectorate would not tolerate contractors who fail to provide safety measures in building sites under construction as this may result in serious or fatal accidents," said Mr Lee.

He also urged construction workers to be more mindful of the hazards and dangers at work.

"To protect their own lives, all employees should fully co-operate with their employers by taking safety measures as required under the law," he added.

He said all workers engaged in industrial work activities, especially construction workers, should make use of the 24-hour industrial safety hotline 2815 0678 when they encounter any dangerous occurrences or unsafe practice.

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