Site safety: Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) Mak Chai-kwong (second right) presents industrial safety awards.

The accident rate for the construction industry fell 5.8% to 60.6 per thousand workers last year, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) Mak Chai-kwong says, adding the Government will continue improving industrial safety.

Speaking at an award presentation ceremony today Mr Mak said the bureau will include new contractual provisions in public works contracts requiring frontline management and supervisors to attend safety training seminars.

It will also limit the sub-contracting layers in public works contracts, particularly for high-risk operations like work in demolition, scaffolding and confined spaces.

Mr Mak added the bureau will enhance the safety of tower cranes, strengthen control over reversing construction vehicles on site and protect the workforce when working in hot weather conditions with the Construction Industry Council.

The Considerate Contractors Site Award Scheme received 139 entries last year, of which 56 were awarded. Twenty-four entries received awards for outstanding environmental management.