COP on use of oxy-acetylene equipment being prepared

The Labour Department is now turning the existing guidelines on the use of oxy-acetylene cutting and welding equipment into a new Code of Practice which has a binding effect on employers and employees. 

"A draft code is being prepared and will be sent to relevant employers' associations, trade unions as well as organisations of occupational safety and health professionals next month for extensive consultation," the Commissioner for Labour, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung revealed this (Saturday) morning in his "Letter from Hong Kong"  broadcast on Radio Television Hong Kong. 

"We expect to publish the Code by the end of June for the industry to follow," he added.

"We will also enhance workers' training and awareness in industrial safety," Mr Cheung said.

"I will propose that workers using oxy-acetylene equipment be required to obtain a certificate. This is to ensure that they receive proper safety training," the Commissioner continued.

"We are now seeking the views of the Vocational Training Council, Construction Industry Training Authority, Occupational Safety and Health Council, relevant trade unions and employees' associations.

"The Labour Advisory Board and the LegCo Manpower Panel will also be consulted," Mr Cheung said, adding that he hoped that the recommendation could be implemented within this year.

He believed that there should be no delay in stepping up the monitoring of the safe use of oxy-acetylene cutting and welding equipment. The Commissioner stressed that he was determined to adopt all possible means to promote the safe use of such equipment.

These include tightening legislative control, stepping up enforcement action, improving the training of workers and enhancing employers' awareness in providing a safe workplace.

As for immediate follow-up action, the Labour Department, in conjunction with the Fire Services Department, had been carrying out a territory-wide inspection on the use of oxy-acetylene equipment, Mr Cheung said.

"We will advise on the safe use of these equipment, put right any irregularity found and distribute guidelines on their use and maintenance," he said. 

"So far, we have inspected more than 800 establishments including construction sites and garages. More than 250 warnings and improvement notices have also been issued," he added.

Mr Cheung said the cooperation of employers, employees and the Government was necessary for the improvement of occupational safety and health and the development of a safety culture. 

He also appealed to employers and employees of all industrial undertakings to be more vigilant and take adequate precautionary measures, especially before resuming work after long holidays.

"A thorough check on all equipment on site to ensure safety is essential," Mr Cheung stressed.

He said that Hong Kong's performance in industrial safety had not been satisfactory, but noted that this had been improving last year with the efforts of the Government, employers and employees.

"Accident figures in the first three quarters of 1999 dropped 19 percent when compared to the same period in 1998, while accident rate fell by 17 per cent. 

"The construction industry recorded a marked decrease of 30 per cent in the number of accidents, and a drop of 19 per cent in accident rate from 252.4 to 203.9 per thousand workers," Mr Cheung said.

"This showed that our efforts in promotion, education and enforcement is paying off. But we will not be complacent and will continue to spare no efforts to keep accidents to a minimum." 

Finally, he wished all workers happiness and safety at work.