Media

HKU Research Explores Effectiveness of Industrial Safety Initiatives in Hong Kong

11 Jun 2010

 

The construction industry is well known to be the most dangerous of all industries in Hong Kong. The government, Housing Authority, MTRC and others have introduced a range of measures in recent years to improve safety performance. Unfortunately, the steady decline in accident rate has flattened out in the past three years. The expected increase in construction output within the next five years, with the onset of the many rail and bridge projects planned in Hong Kong, presents a serious dilemma. Accident rates reflect output in the construction industry and we should anticipate a significant increase in the accident rate with this increase in output. The cost of work-related accidents and ill-health in the construction industry accounts for as much as 8.5% of project costs when social, direct and indirect costs are included. Thus, it is necessary to plan now for the expected upturn - the situation is URGENT and immediate action is required if accidents are to be prevented and lives saved.

The Construction Industry Institute Hong Kong (CII-HK) has commissioned a research to investigate how we can improve continuously all aspects of safety performance and the cost effectiveness of construction safety measures. It has funded Professor Steve Rowlinson, Dr. SW Poon and Dr. Brenda Yip from HKU's Department of Real Estate and Construction to carry out a 12-month research project entitled "Safety Initiative Effectiveness in Hong Kong - One Size Does Not Fit All" within the industry, with a view to exploring the current situation in the Hong Kong construction industry and identifying several areas where new initiatives need to be developed.

The recent building collapse incidents and the death of six workers on the construction site of Hong Kong's tallest building remind us of the fact that our construction industry has the highest accident rate and fatalities of all industries in Hong Kong, as well as in the region. This research proposes an industry-wide agenda for the Hong Kong construction industry improving itself into a safer and healthier industry.

Professor Steve Rowlinson, Dr. SW Poon and Dr. Brenda Yip will give a press briefing on June 14, 2010 regarding the current condition, new initiatives and the industry-wide agenda for the Hong Kong construction industry.

Members of the media are cordially invited to attend, the details are:

Date: June 14, 2010 (Monday)
Time: 12pm - 1pm
Venue: Council Chamber, 8/F Meng Wah Complex
Language: English and Cantonese

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