Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn opened Construction Safety Week 2024 today, which will run until August 30.

While speaking at the kick-off ceremony, Ms Linn pointed out that to promote the full adoption of the Smart Site Safety System (4S) in the industry, the Government, in addition to leading by example in public works contracts, introduced a series of enhanced measures this year.

From July 1, when granting the first approval or major revisions of superstructure plans of private development projects, the Buildings Department has imposed mandatory conditions that require registered contractors to adopt the relevant 4S for building works with an estimated cost exceeding $30 million and involving the use of mobile plants and tower cranes.

Additionally, the Development Bureau and the Construction Industry Council launched the 4S Labelling Scheme to facilitate identification and monitoring. Nearly 150 construction sites have been issued with such labels and a total of 500 construction sites are expected to be issued with the labels within this year.

Separately, the scope of subsidy under the Construction Innovation & Technology Fund (CITF) has been extended since May 20 to cover additional expenses in various aspects of adopting 4S, including upgrading the network capacity, additional manpower for system operation, maintenance and technical support.

Moreover, an enhanced measure will be launched this week to extend the applicant eligibility of the CITF to local mobile plant/tower crane rental companies.

Under the theme of “Safety for All, 4S Stands Tall”, a number of events will be held during Construction Safety Week, including the Construction Safety Week Conference, visits to construction sites, and the award presentation ceremony of the 30th Considerate Contractors Site Award Scheme.

At today’s Construction Safety Week Conference, experts and project teams shared with the audience their experience in adopting 4S and enhancing site safety. An exhibition on 4S was also held.

Ms Linn added that all industry stakeholders should proactively fulfil their safety responsibilities and make concerted efforts to enhance site safety for the industry’s sustainable development.