Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung has called on the construction sector to form a safety management system, implement safe work procedures and cultivate a safety-first culture.

Speaking at the Construction Safety Day Awards Presentation Ceremony today, Mr Cheung said large growth in the construction sector is expected with large-scale infrastructure projects planned and the growing demand for maintenance and repair work due to ageing urban areas.

He said the Government will strive to promote occupational safety and prevent construction accidents. He noted while fatal construction accidents fell from 56 cases in 1998 to 19 in 2007, the slight rise from just 16 cases in 2006 warrants attention and the Government will be vigilant on the issue.