Measures pay off: Stephen Ip says the Government's multi-pronged approach to improving workplace safety and health is working.

The Government's multi-pronged approach to improving workplace safety and health is working, the Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip says.

Speaking at Safety & Health Expo 2003 and the 12th International Conference on Safe Communities today, Mr Ip said safety and health at work is a global concern. 

"Workplace accidents deprive millions of their ability to work for varying periods, sometimes for life.

"Work-related injuries and ill health shatter the lives of accident victims and their families. They also impose huge costs on employers, and on society as a whole," Mr Ip said. 

He believes most occupational accidents can be avoided if adequate precautions are taken.

The Government has handled the issue through legislation and enforcement, education and training, as well as promotion and publicity. Now, these efforts are beginning to see a return.

There are concrete signs that occupational safety in Hong Kong is improving, Mr Ip said, noting the accident toll has been declining in the last couple of years. 

Speaking at the same event, Permanent Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Matthew Cheung pointed out that the number of occupational accidents was declining.

The number of occupational injuries was reduced by 14.4% to 53,719 in 2001 from 62,776 in 1997.

The figures for the first three quarters of 2002 also indicate a continued downward trend. The number of occupational injuries fell to 35,654 from 41,449 in the same period of 2001, down 14%. 

"Safety and health at work is a shared responsibility. The achievement of long-term improvement in work safety calls for the joint efforts of employers, employees, relevant professionals, related bodies and the Government," Mr Cheung added.

This is the second time that the Government has teamed up with the Occupational Safety & Health Council to organise the Safety & Health Expo.

Hong Kong is playing host to the 12th International Conference on Safe Communities, an event running concurrently with the expo.