Local catering establishments are invited to take part in the Catering Industry Safety Award Scheme which is open for entries from today to August 21.

The scheme, organised by the Labour Department, the Occupational Safety & Health Council and eight co-organisers, are divided into seven sub-categories: Chinese restaurants; restaurants (non-Chinese); hotels with kitchen; fast food shops serving Western food; fast food shops serving both Chinese and general categories of food; caf�s; and light refreshments eating places and canteens.

All participating establishments must hold a valid full licence issued by the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department. Their licences should not have been suspended by the department for any reason in the year preceding the preliminary assessment and until the announcement of the competition results. They should have no record of serious or fatal accidents or suspension notices issued by the Labour Department in the 12 months preceding the enrolment deadline and before the announcement of the assessment results.

The Safety Awareness Award will be presented to single-outlet catering establishments that have undergone the preliminary assessment and have not won any other awards in the competition.

Assessment will take place between late August and early October. Assessment criteria will cover the physical condition of the workplaces and the safety management system.

Organisers will also launch a safety quiz competition for people over the age of 15.