The construction industry built Hong Kong from the bottom-up, thousands of workers had put their hearts and souls into it. It is a pity that 3,109 cases of industrial accidents were recorded in the construction industry in 2021 according to the Labour Department. The Construction Industry Council (CIC) will continuously improve workers’ safety awareness through organising different activities, with an aim to foster a safety culture and achieve the goal of zero accidents on construction sites.
Industrial accidents have claimed four workers' lives in April and May, a silent tribute event was thus held in the Hong Kong Institute of Construction, Sheung Shui Campus (HKIC), in May in remembrance of the deceased. Mr Kelvin Lo Kwok-wah, Director of Water Supplies, Ir Thomas Ho On-sing, Chairman of CIC, together with members of the CIC, Mr Chan Kim-kwong and Sr Eddie Lam Kin-wing, have attended to share their experience with students, and reminded them to always bear the importance of safety in minds.
Playing with fire will eventually turn bitter
Looking back into the accidents, Ir Thomas Ho was saddened to see that those workers involved have all taken a risk. He reminded students to take every step cautiously and urged the students not to let their guards down just because the foreman is not in sight, not to underestimate the risk of working on a seemingly low in height scaffold, and never start working before they are sure their lifelines are secured. They also need to ensure danger zones are properly established and signs are set up. Conditions in construction sites are ever changing, Ir Thomas Ho advised students to be careful at all times, as he explained that “Construction procedures should be clearly listed out, however if there is a change, we must stop and think, many fatal accidents happen because changes are overlooked. Mentality is very important, I believe safety can be ensured as long as workers follow the procedures and dare to ‘say no to danger’.”
Preventing Accident By Adopting Innovative Technologies
CIC actively promotes the use of innovative technologies in the industry, Mr Kelvin Lo agreed that the deployment of technologies will contribute to safety, “The industry shall embrace innovative technologies such as mechanisation and industrialisation. Technologies like BIM, MiC and smart site management can help improve safety performance.” He suggested that it is everyone's responsibility to keep the sites safe as works are interlinked, accidents can be avoided if workers are willing to help each other out. "Regardless of the scale of the construction, safety comes first, we cannot sacrifice it for the sake of catching the schedule.” He added.
Good to Be Nosy
Sr Eddie Lam, Member of CIC and Chairman of the Construction Industry Training Board, advised students to stay alert to the surrounding areas in construction sites. “You should be nosy, in a sense that when you spot anything wrong, like no guardrails at a floor opening, voice out. A simple act can save a life.” he said. He also added that students should stop their colleagues from acting dangerously.
Be Neat and Tidy
Mr Chan Kim-kwong, Member of CIC and Chairman of the Hong Kong General Building Contractors Association, has been with the industry for more than 40 years. He recalled there were no safety training back in the early days, safety tips were only passed on by word of mouth from mentors. He encouraged students to make an all-out effort at work yet never risk their lives. “No matter how careful you are, a mistake may lead to accidents.” He said. As the attendees were plumbing’s students, Mr Chan urged them to keep the workplace neat and tidy, “Please make sure you keep your tools in place, or else someone might trip over the pipes.” he told them.
Dare to Ask
The purpose of hosting silent tribute events is to mourn the loss as well as to warn participants. The three fatal accidents were all related to falling from height. A tutor from HKIC went through the cases with students after a moment of silence, and taught them with “the four steps to safety”. First, workers should keep learning and be brave to ask. Secondly, workers should scrutinise the workplace, never hurry their work, rather they should pay attention to details and identify risks. Thirdly, they have to double check the workplace, tools, mechanics as well as personal equipment, for example make sure the lifeline is connected to a secure anchor point. Besides, workers should ensure the workplace is safe before proceeding to work. Even though everything is set, matters in construction sites are ever-changing, therefore the fourth step is to stop working. If one encounters a safety issue beyond his/her scope, just say no, and report to seniors or the corresponding department to get it solved.
Life First, Safety First
Every accident is a hard lesson to the industry for neglecting safety. In order to alert practitioners to avoid repeating mistakes, CIC provides safety guidelines, messages, posters to stakeholders in the industry, in which common accidents, critical control measures, links to video and safety quizzes are shared. CIC hopes to foster a safety culture in the industry, and always remind our fellow workers of the importance of “Life First, Safety First.”
