The joint efforts of everyone in the construction industry has led to impressive improvements in Hong Kong's industrial safety record in recent years.

The number of construction accidents fell 68% from a peak of 19,588 in 1998 to 6,239 in 2002.

Speaking at the Construction Association's annual safety conference today, Permanent Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Matthew Cheung said the improvements have continued this year.

"Accident statistics for the first half of 2003 show a reduction of 34% in the number of construction accidents - from 3,223 to 2,141 - and 20% in the accident rate - from 82.6 to 66 - over the same period last year," he said.

However, Mr Cheung said he is very concerned about the upward trend of fatal construction accidents this year.

"Provisional figures indicate that the number of fatal industrial accidents in the first three quarters of 2003 increased 38% from 21 to 29, compared with the same period last year. Of these, 25 occurred in the construction industry, representing an increase of 25% when compared with 20 fatalities in the same period last year," he said.

To tackle the problem, the Labour Department conducted a special operation in July and August to inspect 4,230 construction sites. Seventeen suspension notices and 183 improvement notices were issued. The department also initiated prosecutions on 235 offences.

Mr Cheung reminded employers and contractors not to spend less on site safety in a bid to reduce their operating cost.

Such short-term cost-cutting measures could lead to work accidents and require employers to pay a heavy price in the long term.

Mr Cheung also expressed his concern over the employment of illegal workers.

"This is a problem posing threats not only to law and order but also local employment opportunities and occupational safety. Let me stress that the Government is alert to the problem and fully committed to combating it."