Concerned about the recent spate of fatal construction accidents, the Government will step up enforcement and publicity, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung says.

Speaking at the World Day for Safety & Health at Work and Occupational Safety &Health Seminar today, Mr Cheung said Tuesday's fatal construction accident in Cheung Sha Wan reminds us how industrial accidents can cause irreparable damage to the victims and their families.

Industrial accidents also adversely affect staff morale, work arrangements, company image, and society's economic efficiency and productivity, he added.

He appealed to employers and staff to jointly raise occupational safety and health standards, aiming for the 'zero accidents' target.

There were  478 convictions for work-accident prosecutions in the first quarter, up 13.6% compared with 412 convictions in the same period last year. The accident rate per 1,000 construction workers last year was 60.6 - about one injury for every 17 workers - down 70% on 1998's figure, which stood at 247.9.

Despite all the efforts, the construction sector still records the largest number of fatal industrial accidents. This warrants serious attention, and there is ample room for improvement, Mr Cheung noted.