HK's construction sector launches safety partnership program

Hong Kong Construction Association (HKCA) and the Real Estate Developers Association (REDA) launched on Monday the Hong Kong Safety Partnering Program, a major initiative to improve construction site safety and promote broad awareness of the importance of better safety standards throughout the construction sector.

The program aims to bring Hong Kong's private sector construction safety performance in line with world best practice by 2008 by making all construction sites safe and healthy working environments.

A feature of the program is a Safety Partnership Charter, which requires signatories to implement safety management arrangements and practices in accordance with prescribed world-class safety guidelines.

The program also introduces a Pay for Safety Scheme, a safety-linked incentive scheme for contracts between employers and contractors. Acting Chief Executive Henry Tang said at the ceremony to launch the program that the Safety Partnership Charter demonstrates the commitment of two major industry players in striving for world standard safety practices on construction sites so that all workers can enjoy a safer working environment.

Recognizing the importance of the construction sector to Hong Kong's economy, Keith Kerr, chairman of the REDA, said property and construction are the backbone of Hong Kong.

Conrad Wong, president of HKCA, said "the key to this initiative is that is must be widely understood and adopted. Both REDA and HKCA will undertake to encourage member companies to participate, support and implement the program on a voluntary basis."

Construction alone employs more than 200,000 people and accounts for 5 percent Hong Kong's gross domestic product.

Source: Xinhua