Although the safety performance of the catering industry has improved significantly in recent years, the number of accidents still topped all industries and is a matter of concern, the Permanent Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Matthew Cheung says.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Carnival on Occupational Safety & Health in the Catering Industry, Mr Cheung stressed that the Labour Department attached great importance to the industry's safety performance.

Record improves - but still a concern

Mr Cheung noted that the number of accidents in 2002 dropped about 15%, from 11,914 in 2001 to 10,149. The accident rate per 1,000 workers also decreased by about 11%, from 61.5 to 54.7.

The number of accidents in the first three quarters of 2003 declined by 18.5%, from 7,646 to 6,229, and the accident rate per 1,000 workers also went down by 10.5%, from 54.5 to 48.8 over the same period in 2002.

Nearly two-thirds of the accidents were related to "injuries by hand tools", "contact with hot surface or substance" and "slip, trip or fall on same level".

Education, legislation and promotion help boost safety

He said that the Labour Department has been enhancing the trade's safety standards through legislation, law enforcement, training, education and promotion.

Apart from organising the Catering Industry Safety Award Scheme, the department has been collaborating with the Occupational Safety & Health Council and the industry to promote safety through talks, training courses and promotional activities.