To further enhance construction safety, a proposal to amend the Construction Sites Regulations has been introduced to the Legislative Council.

Addressing the 25th Anniversary Dinner of the Hong Kong Occupational Safety & Health Association, Permanent Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said the amendment would enhance the safety performance of the construction industry.

Under the proposal, not only principal contractors, but also appointed sub-contractors will be held responsible for breaches of law on their projects.

The amendment regulations are expected to be approved by lawmakers this month, Mr Cheung said.

Safety laws regularly updated

To keep pace with technological advancements and to cater for the changing needs of society, the Government regularly reviews legislation on occupational safety and health.

The Occupational Safety & Health (Display Screen Equipment) Regulation was introduced last year to protect the health of employees who use display screen equipment for prolonged periods at work. It was enacted in July this year.

The Factories & Industrial Undertakings (Safety Officers and Safety Supervisors) (Amendment) Regulation was passed by the Legislative Council in June 2002 to enhance professionalism and training of safety officers.