Workplace accidents have stayed low in recent years due to the joint effort of contractors, sub-contractors, site management personnel, workers, concerned organisations and the Government.

This was the message today from Permanent Secretary for Economic Development & Labour (Labour) Matthew Cheung at the Construction Safety Day 2003 Site Hygiene Award Presentation Ceremony.

Last year the accident toll and accident rate per 1,000 workers substantially dropped by 32% and 25% respectively when compared with 2001's figures.

Mr Cheung said working in construction is generally more hazardous than in other industries. However, close co-operation between employers and employees and the implementation of a comprehensive safe system of work have helped.

Apart from avoiding or eliminating dangers like falling from heights or being hit by falling objects on construction sites, special attention should also be paid to hazardous substances that are potentially harmful to workers' health. These include silicon, solvents, poisonous gases in sewerage, and other fumes. Noise and vibration can also be harmful.

Over exposure to these hazards can harm health and lead to chronic diseases, permanent incapacity or even death. Impaired health also increases the chance of work accidents.

"A comprehensive safe system of work should cater for and control all risk factors," Mr Cheung said.

Nowadays, many construction sites have already put in place procedures on safe working cycles. Morning assemblies are held to put across safety messages to employees to raise their awareness.

Employees can also take the opportunity to do physical exercise together. This helps reduce the risk of work accidents and build up team spirit, fostering a safety culture.

Mr Cheung urged everybody to minimise common hazards on construction sites, and be very concerned about site hygiene to further reduce accidents.