There were 33,349 work injuries in the first three quarters of last year, down 6.4% on the same period in 2006, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung says. The accident rate per thousand workers was 17.1, down 8.4%.

Speaking at the Good Housekeeping Seminar and award presentation ceremony today Mr Cheung attributed the improvement to the joint efforts of the Occupational Safety & Health Council, employers, employees, trade organisations and the Government.

He said poor housekeeping is one of the major causes of workplace accidents, adding the Good Housekeeping Promotional Campaign promotes the "Organisation, Neatness, Cleanliness, Standardisation & Discipline" concept to manage the workplace.

He urged employers, employees and organisations to continue observing the concept in their workplaces to foster a better and safer working environment.

The Good Housekeeping Promotional Campaign received an overwhelming response this year from industries, with 51 organisations taking part in 193 events.

"The good response testifies to the importance these sectors attach to work safety and their willingness to devote resources to promote good housekeeping," Mr Cheung said.