Enhanced guidelines for safe bamboo scaffolding: new code of practice released
The Labour Department (LD) published a revised Code of Practice for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety (CoP) in the Gazette today (April 19) to enhance the safety of bamboo scaffolds in the construction industry.
The major revisions of the CoP include the enhancement of technical requirements for the bracing, putlog and access and egress of bamboo scaffolds; the prohibition to unauthorised alteration of bamboo scaffolds including putlog; and further specifying the requirement of supervising work of competent persons to the bamboo scaffolders who perform erection, substantial addition, alteration or dismantling of bamboo scaffolds, and inspection prior to inclement weather.
A spokesperson for the LD said, "The revised CoP requires all trained workers who perform erection, substantial addition, alteration or dismantling of truss-out bamboo scaffolds should hold a valid certificate of 'Advanced Level Truss-out Scaffolder Safety Training' or 'Intermediate Level Truss-out Scaffolder Safety Training' issued by the Construction Industry Council before performing specified work. Considering the time required for the industry to arrange training to obtain the certificates, there will be a grace period of six months on the effective date of the revised CoP. It will take effect on October 19 to allow the industry to have sufficient time for preparation."
The spokesperson said that the CoP provides construction contractors with practical guidance to comply with the requirements set out in the occupational safety and health legislation regarding bamboo scaffolding work in order to safeguard workers' safety.
The spokesperson added, "This CoP has a special legal status. In criminal proceedings, if a relevant person fails to observe any provision of this Code, that failure may be taken by the court as a relevant factor in determining whether or not a person has breached the relevant safety and health legislation."
The revised CoP can be downloaded from the LD website (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_8b.htm). Enquiries about the CoP can be made at 2559 2297.
Source: AI-generated images
Ombudsman meets with Chief Secretary for Administration
The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:
The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, was invited to meet with the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung; and relevant senior officials, today (May 9) to deliberate on the findings and analyses of the investigation by the Office of The Ombudsman into the Government's regulation of occupational safety and health in the construction industry and exchange views on strengthening departmental management systems and reinforcing performance accountability.
The Ombudsman said, "I must, once again, express my gratitude to the Chief Executive for his recognition of our work. I am also very grateful that he has announced earlier that the Chief Secretary for Administration will lead a working group to conduct in-depth reviews of recommendations in the direct investigation operation reports issued by the Office of The Ombudsman to ensure that government departments will actively follow up on the recommendations from these investigations. I am also grateful for the Chief Secretary for Administration's invitation to this meeting. During our meeting today, we had an in-depth and focused deliberation on my Office's investigation findings as regards the Government's regulation of occupational safety and health in the construction industry, and a candid discussion on the bottlenecks and challenges. We also had a thorough exchange of views on ways to strengthen departmental management systems and reinforce performance accountability. I am pleased to learn that the working group led by the Chief Secretary for Administration will monitor relevant departments' follow-up actions to ensure full implementation of our recommendations. I am also pleased to note that the Labour Department and the Buildings Department have been actively following up the recommendations of our report and commenced various work including enhancing effectiveness of enforcement and expediting the processing of cases omitted earlier. The current-term Government is committed and determined to strengthen departmental management systems, reinforce performance accountability among departmental managerial staff, and enhance public service management and efficiency, demonstrating its devotion and dedication to fostering good governance. My Office will give full support and co-operation in enhancing the effectiveness of public administration to ensure high-quality and efficient public services."
Ombudsman meets with Chief Secretary for Administration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
