Transcript of remarks by SLW on confined space works
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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, on the prevention of accident in confined space works at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (January 27):
Reporter: Secretary, about labour safety, as you said the Code of Practice will be issued for those working in confined space, when will this be issued? How effective do you hope this will increase the safety?
Secretary for Labour and Welfare: Our plan is to promulgate the revised “Code of Practice – Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces” within the first half of this year. This is our work plan. Right now, we have completed consultation with the stakeholders. We are looking at ways to refine and finalise the Code. One of the key changes to be made in the Code is to make use of technology. One idea, we think it is quite possible, is to require the installation of cameras at the entrance in confined spaces. Through cameras, there is literally no incentive for those working in confined spaces to cut corners, because all the entrances, their behaviour and equipment will be fully recorded by camera. By this way, we hope they will be able to make sure that people have every incentive to comply with all the safety requirements for working in confined spaces.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)