Labour Chief Pledges Rigorous OSH Enforcement at Construction Awards Ceremony
Bastillepost · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Labour and Welfare Bureau Secretary Dr. Sun Yude reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to occupational safety and health (OSH) at the Construction Industry Safety Excellence Awards 2026, held on Friday. Addressing industry professionals at the ceremony, Dr. Sun acknowledged that despite ongoing efforts and measurable progress, tragic accidents continue to occur, necessitating sustained collaboration between authorities and the construction sector to enhance safety outcomes .
Key Points
- The Labour Department will persist with its "risk-based" methodology, deploying enforcement inspections, promotional campaigns, educational initiatives, and technological solutions to fortify OSH protections across the industry .
- Revised guidelines for the safe use of mobile elevated work platforms have been optimized, and updated safety codes for bamboo scaffolding and metal scaffolding were published on July 31, establishing stricter requirements for base guard board strength, fire prevention, and protective net flame-retardant standards .
- A comprehensive no-smoking policy has taken effect at all construction sites throughout Hong Kong, with violators subject to a fixed fine of $3,000, and the Labour Department has emphasized that enforcement will be strict and unwavering .
- The construction industry has begun adopting remote-controlled tower cranes and excavator systems, measures designed to mitigate risks associated with high-hazard operations while attracting younger workers to the sector .
- The Labour Department is actively deploying small drones for inspection purposes, achieving notable effectiveness, and Dr. Sun reminded workers that safety compliance applies even in unsupervised areas, underscoring that proper OSH practices represent responsibility to families and society .
Why It Matters
The construction industry remains one of Hong Kong's most hazardous sectors, and the government's sustained commitment to OSH improvement signals a determination to reduce workplace fatalities and injuries through both regulatory and technological means . The integration of drones and remote-controlled equipment reflects a broader shift toward modernizing safety enforcement and addressing labour shortages in high-risk roles, potentially setting new standards for the Greater Bay Area's construction safety landscape .
The construction industry remains one of Hong Kong's most hazardous sectors, and the government's sustained commitment to OSH improvement signals a determination to reduce workplace fatalities and injuries through both regulatory and technological means . The integration of drones and remote-controlled equipment reflects a broader shift toward modernizing safety enforcement and addressing labour shortages in high-risk roles, potentially setting new standards for the Greater Bay Area's construction safety landscape .