XN000022-1996-09-02 — Page 6

5 -

The Committee also noted that the Buildings Department had carried out some 2,400 inspections of construction and demolition sites between October 1995 and July 1996.

There were 422 cases of irregularities. All of them were quickly rectified after inspections.

Further measures would be taken to enhance the safety of works sites. These included increasing resources to enable more inspection; organising seminars for contractors to promote the general awareness of the importance of site safety; encouraging self-regulation by building professionals and contractors; and liaising closely with Labour Department on site safety matters.

When briefed on the land supply and requirements in the next 10 years, the Committee suggested giving more consideration to converting industrial land for residential development. The Planning Department was looking into this as one of the means to identify more land for residential development.

The Committee was also briefed on the performance of the property market in the first half of 1996. The number of property transactions had substantially increased during the period.

End

Safety auditors accredited

The Secretary for Works, Mr Kwong Hon-sang, today (Monday) presented accrediting certificates to the first batch of eight safety auditors and two safety auditing assistants on their successful completion of their training.

The accrediting will enable them to conduct safety audits for public works projects under the Independent Safety Audit Scheme introduced by the Works Branch to further strengthen worksite safety.

Mr Kwong noted that safety audits were indispensable in ensuring that good safety standards were achieved at construction sites.

He urged the construction industry to co-operate with these auditors to develop a safety culture in the works sector by further enhancing safety and health management practices.

End