Permanent Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Matthew Cheung has called on the construction industry to boost occupational safety and health, citing the recent resurgence of work injury rates.

Speaking at the Construction Industry Safety Award Scheme today, Mr Cheung said the accident rate per thousand construction workers has risen 14.2%, from 56.7 in the first three quarters of 2005 to 64.7 in the same period last year.

In 2005 there were 3,548 construction accidents, while the accident rate per thousand workers was 59.9. They dropped 80.9% and 73.7% on 1997.

To tackle accident-prone occupations and work conditions, the Labour Department conducted on-site enforcement operations last year. It also co-held safety talks and seminars with the Occupational Safety & Health Council and construction organisations.