A resurgent trend in construction-industry work injuries warrants concern, Permanent Secretary for Economic Development & Labour (Labour) Paul Tang says.

The construction industry recorded 2,596 industrial accidents in the first three quarters of 2006, up 0.3% over he 2,587 seen in the same period in 2005. The accident rate per 1,000 workers rose 14.2% to 64.7 in the first three quarters last year, up from 56.7 a year earlier.

Speaking at the construction safety promotional campaign launch, Mr Tang said the Government has allocated resources and implemented measures to raise the industry's safety standards.

He noted many construction sites had implemented a safe working cycle to enhance their safety-management systems. The morning safety meeting is one of the cycle's important steps.

Workers taking part in health exercises could also stretch their muscles and exercise their joints to warm up for work and to reduce work injury.

"As all the site personnel join together to do exercise, it will foster team spirit and mutual co-operation. This will reinforce the safety culture within the organisations," Mr Tang said.