Four-hundred practitioners of the construction industry and related sectors took part in the Electrical Work Safety Seminar held by the Labour Department and the Occupational Safety & Health Council today.
The seminar, held in collaboration with other government departments and the construction industry, saw the launch of a scheme to sponsor small-and-medium enterprises in acquiring a proper portable residual current device.
Opening the event, Commissioner for Labour Donald Tong said electricity, if improperly used in the construction industry, can cause electric shocks, fires or explosions leading to serious disability and even death.
He said eight electric shock accidents in the construction industry took place last year, including three fatal cases.
"I would like to urge all parties involved in electrical work to pay serious attention to safety and stay alert," he said.
To help prevent accidents the department has conducted joint enforcement operations with the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department in the past two years, issuing 33 Improvement Notices and initiating 30 prosecutions last year.
To further ensure worker safety, a scheme was launched to subsidise small and medium enterprises in purchasing proper devices that meet safety standards.
Mr Tong said the department will issue a safety alert to remind the industry to take precautions. It will also continue its television and radio broadcasts, talks and seminars to disseminate safety messages.
Today's event comprised an exhibition displaying the devices accredited under the sponsorship scheme and other safety equipment, plus a counter for eligible companies to apply for other sponsorship schemes.
