INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
ON SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE
CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
MACAO – CHINA
20 – 22 September 2004
INTRODUCTION
Throughout the Asia-Pacific region, safety and health in Construction work is a major issue for
labour inspectorates, employers and employees.
Across the region construction work in the 21st century is increasing due to developing
economies, special events such as Olympics and East Asian Games and increasing needs for
tourism, housing and transportation.
These developments have resulted in a rapidly expanding construction sector and many workers
in the industry are crossing borders to take up the work opportunities. Migratory workforces
present major challenges for labour inspectors. In some countries the death and injury rate in
the construction sector is increasing - these are major concerns to Government, employers and
employees.
This conference was aimed at gathering and sharing information from around the world about
how safety and health in the construction industry can be addressed in a strategic and systematic
way. The conference addressed the following key topics including:





Integrated approaches to strategic safety management in the construction sector involving standards, prevention, education, compliance and enforcement approaches
Operational health and safety strategies and programmes dedicated to the construction
industry - examples from around the world including high risk hazard programmes to
address falls from heights and injuries from contact with machinery and muscular
stress;
The impact and effect of design factors in construction work injuries and the role of
designers and suppliers to the industry;
The need for skills development and passports to safety; addressing the needs of
immigrant workers and itinerant work;
Addressing health issues in construction - chemical and dust exposures, noise and
manual handling.
Views from Inspectorates, employers' and workers' organisations, as well as IALI members on
different approaches to addressing health and safety in the construction industry were a key
feature of the conference. Identification of systems, strategies and tools to assist labour
inspectors, employers and workers to prevent injuries in the construction environment were
shared and discussed.
The conference was highly successful with approximately 150 delegates attending with a strong
representation from Asia and the Pacific. The conference provided the opportunity for all
delegates to discuss and learn about strategies to reduce risks in the construction sector and
confirmed that although advances in OHS have been made, more needs to be done to reduce
death and injury to construction workers.
The conference provided a great opportunity for enhancing international cooperation between
labour inspectorates with positive discussion and strong support for enhanced education,
promotion and enforcement activities. All conference objectives were met demonstrating how
successful and rewarding the conference was for all delegates.
2
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
Session 1:
Principles for Managing Safety and Health in Construction
Session 2:
Operational Strategies and Programmes for the
Construction Sector
Session 3:
Safety and Health by Design – Roles and Responsibilities
Session 4:
Health Issues in Construction
Session 5:
Passports to Safety
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
SESSION 1: PRINCIPLES FOR MANAGING SAFETY AND HEALTH IN
CONSTRUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 6
1.1
MANAGING SAFETY & HEALTH IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR: AN INTEGRATED APPROACH ........ 6
1.2
STRATEGY IN MANAGING OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY –
HONG KONG’S EXPERIENCE ................................................................................................................................ 6
2
1.3
AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL OHS STRATEGY 2002 – 2012 ....................................................................... 7
1.4
STATUS QUO AND PROSPECT OF CONSTRUCTION SAFETY IN MAINLAND CHINA .............................. 7
SESSION 2: OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMMES FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION SECTOR .................................................................................................... 8
2.1
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR – THE MALAYSIAN
EXPERIENCE ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2
STRATEGIES FOR PROMOTING OSH IN HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY .............................. 8
2.3
WHAT WORKS IN THE CONTEXT OF A DEVELOPING COUNTRY TO IMPROVE SAFETY AND HEALTH IN
THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: THE CASE OF UGANDA .................................................................................... 9
3
2.4
QUEENSLAND’S WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSTRUCTION ACTION PLAN ........................... 9
2.5
OSH IN SMALL CONSTRUCTION SITES IN VIETNAM ........................................................................... 10
2.6
ONSITE TRAINING FOR A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ........................................................................... 10
SESSION 3: SAFETY AND HEALTH BY DESIGN – ................................................ 11
3.1
BUILDING IN CONSTRUCTION HEALTH AND SAFETY: THE ROLE OF CLIENTS, DESIGNERS AND
SUPPLIERS – THE UK EXPERIENCE .................................................................................................................... 11
3.2
DESIGNING GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS FOR SAFETY IN THE CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRY ........................................................................................................................................................... 11
3.3
BEHAVIOUR-BASED SAFETY IN HONG KONG ...................................................................................... 12
4
3.4
FOCUSED HEALTH AND SAFETY INSPECTION CAMPAIGNS IN THE NORTHERN IRELAND
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ................................................................................................................................ 12
3.5
INTRODUCTION OF LABOUR INSPECTION IN BHUTAN......................................................................... 13
3.6
LABOUR INSPECTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR....................................................................... 13
3.7
DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING CONTRACTORS SAFETY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME FOR CLIENTS
AND INSPECTING ENGINEERS ............................................................................................................................. 13
4
SESSION 4: HEALTH ISSUES IN CONSTRUCTION............................................... 15
4.1
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH IN RELATION TO CONSTRUCTION SECTOR................................................. 15
4.2
LABOUR INSPECTION IN AFRICA ......................................................................................................... 15
4.3
CHINA’S NATIONAL POLICY AND SYSTEM OF PROTECTION OF WORKERS FOR OCCUPATIONAL
DISEASE PREVENTION AND CONTROL ................................................................................................................ 16
4.4
ASBESTOS-RELATED DISEASES AMONG CONSTRUCTION WORKERS IN JAPAN .................................. 16
4.5
STATUS AND MEASURE ON OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES CONTROL IN CHINA ....................................... 17
4.6
THE CURRENT STATUS OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY PEACE APPLICATION AND GOVERNMENT
SUPERVISION ON RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION IN CHINA ................................................................................ 17
5
SESSION 5: PASSPORTS TO SAFETY ...................................................................... 19
5.1
PROTECTING AND SAVING LIVES: THE EMERGING CHALLENGE IN MACAO AND ASIA .................... 19
5.2
INVOLVING THE CONSTRUCTION SITE WORKFORCE IN SAFETY MANAGEMENT................................ 19
5.3
MAKING COMPETENCE COUNT ........................................................................................................... 20
5.4
STATUS QUO OF SAFE PRODUCTION IN CHINA’S ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND
ITS COUNTERMEASURES .................................................................................................................................... 20
6
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS: (SORTED BY COUNTRY & FAMILY NAME) ........ 22
5
Safety and Health in the Construction Sector
1 Session 1:
Principles for Managing Safety and Health in
Construction
Chairperson: Dr Shuen Ka Hung, Director, Labour Affairs Bureau
Macao SAR PRChina
1.1 Managing safety & health in the construction sector: an integrated
approach
Presented by: Dr Jukka Takala, Director of SafeWork, ILO, Geneva, Switzerland
The construction industry has traditionally been considered as a hazardous occupation, due to
the high incidence of occupational accidents and, above all, of fatal injuries. The ILO estimates
that at least 60,000 fatalities occur at construction sites, around the world, every year. Statistical
information also reveals that the likelihood of a construction worker suffering a fatal injury at
work is still several times higher than that of the average worker, all economic sectors
considered.
The risks construction workers face are largely the result of poor planning. A specific approach
to occupational safety and health in the construction industry is required as a result of the
temporary character of its workplaces.
The decisive step towards the inclusion of safety and health in construction work will only be
taken when all the parties involved in the process (workers, employers, designers, clients)
become aware that the imperatives of occupational safety and health on the one hand, and of
economic efficiency on the other, are not only non-contradictory but convergent.
1.2 Strategy in managing occupational safety & health in the construction
industry – Hong Kong’s experience
Presented by: Mr Cheung Kin Chung, Permanent Secretary for Economic Development and
Labour & Commissioner for Labour, Hong Kong SAR PRChina
The construction industry is one of the pillars of Hong Kong’s economy. Safety and health at
work must be a shared responsibility. The Government, employers, contractors, employees and
related organisations all have a role to play. The legal Framework in Hong Kong for ensuring
safety and health at work in the industrial sector is the Factories and Industrial Undertaking
Ordinance and its 30 sets of subsidiary regulations, of which the Construction Sites (Safety)
Regulations deal specifically with construction safety.
Hong Kong subscribes to the view that effective management of safety and health risks of a
construction project should begin at its planning and design stages. Targeted enforcement is
important and is reinforced by special blitz operations.
6
The safety performance of the construction industry has dramatically improved in recent years
with accident rates dropping significantly. The number of accidents has reduced 78% between
1998 and 2003 and the number of fatalities has reduced 55% during the same period. The Hong
Kong Government strategy is to achieve its objectives through a multi-pronged approach of
legislation, enforcement, education and promotion.
1.3 Australia’s National OHS Strategy 2002 – 2012
Presented by: Ms Louise McSorley, Senior Executive Officer, National Occupational Health &
Safety Commission, Canberra, Australia
This presentation summarised the Australian National Occupational Health and Safety Strategy
developed by the National Occupational Health & Safety Commission (NOHSC).
The construction industry has been identified as a national priority requiring specific action to
reduce the high incidence of injury, death and disease. NOHSC is currently drafting a national
construction industry standard and several new construction based codes of practice are under
preparation. The purpose of a national OHS strategy is to focus the resources of all those with
an interest in OHS, to improve safety outcomes, increase profits and ultimately, to ensure a
better quality of working life.
A copy of the NOHSC national strategy along with other OHS information can be found at
www.nohsc.gov.au
1.4 Status Quo and Prospect of Construction Safety in Mainland China
Presented by: Mr Wu Xin, Director General, State Administration of Work Safety, PRChina
The presentation analysed the status quo and future development of construction safety in
mainland China and highlighted the main areas of work by the Chinese Government in respect
to construction safety currently and in the future.
Several solutions to improve construction safety in China included strengthening the
formulation and development of laws, regulations and technical standards. It was identified that
China needed to create a safety culture and strengthen the development of training, OHS
publicity and education systems along with increasing research and improving the current
accident injury insurance for the construction industry.
Conclusions and Lessons from Session 1
General Conclusion
The best use of resources in organising a nation’s approach to addressing OHS in construction
must involve all the participants in the construction process – from the designers and suppliers
through to the end-users of the building
Lesson for Labour Inspection
Good OHS on construction sites cannot be achieved by labour inspectors alone – we need robust
legislation supported by strategic activities involving awareness, education, assistance,
compliance, enforcement and good relationships with all stakeholders
7
2 Session 2:
Operational Strategies and Programmes for the
Construction Sector
Chairperson: Dr Adrian Ellis, President IALI, United Kingdom
2.1 Occupational safety and health in the construction sector – the
Malaysian experience
Presented by: Mr Amir bin Yahya, Director Industrial Safety Division, Department of OSH,
Malaysia
The presentation gave an overview of the current status of OHS in the construction sector. The
core business of the Department of Safety and Health was stated as enforcement, standard
setting and promotional activities.
The presentation explained that DOSH is responsible for administering the requirements of the
Building Operations and Works of Engineering Construction Regulations 1986 (BOWEC).
Some of the results obtained through undertaking enforcement operations were stated as
increasing OSH compliance in the sector, reducing fatality cases and increasing awareness. It
was noted that a new strategy has to be formulated to further gain improvements within the
construction industry.
It was stated that the constriction industry would remain strong into the future and remains one
of the high-risk workplaces in Malaysia.
2.2 Strategies for promoting OSH in Hong Kong construction industry
Presented by: Mr Tang Wah-Shing, Executive Director, Occupational Safety & Health
Council, Hong Kong SAR PRChina
In the past few years the Hong Kong construction industry has seen some major changes in
terms of safety culture. The number of construction accidents dived 68% in 2002. The accident
rate per thousand construction workers fell by 65.6%.
The two important campaigns that have brought important changes to the construction industry
are the Safe Working Cycle and 5S Good House Keeping. Safe Working Cycle features a daily,
weekly and monthly safety check and a daily risk identification meeting. 5S Good
Housekeeping encourages a tidy work place. This program features everything having its own
home and the avoidance of accumulating junk, hence higher efficiency and less accidents.
The presentation also discussed several other methods used to increase safety on construction
sites.
8
2.3 What works in the context of a developing country to improve safety and
health in the construction industry: the case of Uganda
Presented by: Mr William Mukasa Senyonjo, Senior Specialised Safety Inspector,
Construction Section, Kampala, Uganda
The construction Sector is Uganda’s fastest growing sector, growing at a rate of 8.8%p.a,
doubling its consumption of key materials like cement and steel.
The construction industry in Uganda is characterised by, but not limited to:






Maltreatment of workers by employers (undocumented/casual workers, working
abnormal hours, insults and countless other types of worker violations)
Mortal injuries and ill health problems
Accidents and deaths (more than the all industry average)
Ignorance / defying provisions of the law
70% of all construction in Uganda is informal and therefore most contractors are small
scale, employing semi-skilled and / or unskilled workers and invest little or nothing in
safety
Big firms subcontracting almost all parts of the project
The main concern is the increasing number of injuries and fatal occurrences (approximately 10
deaths per 1000 workers). It was identified that to improve, political will is needed, the
establishment of industry standards are necessary, good policy is essential, self-regulation is
needed and training must be provided.
2.4 Queensland’s workplace health and safety construction action plan
Presented by: Mr Peter Lamont, Assistant General Manager, Workplace Health and Safety,
Queensland, Australia
Queensland is a state of Australia with a population of 3.8 million people. The Queensland
construction industry has been marked by poor health and safety performance with 4 traumatic
work-related fatalities and 4,179 claims for injury and illness in 2002-2003.
The Queensland Workplace Health and Safety Construction Action Plan 2004-2007 has been
designed to provide a holistic and comprehensive approach to the prevention and minimisation
of work-related injuries, illnesses and death. The plan identifies the key workplace health and
safety activities for Queensland over the next three years.
The Construction Industry Action Plan is based on Black Spot analysis. This technique involves
the analysis of workers compensation data to identify occupational injury “blackspots” which
are occupations over-represented in terms of the number of severe injuries being sustained. The
blackspot information is then used to identify priority areas for the targeting of organizational
resources to support strategic and operational decision-making.
9
2.5 OSH in small construction sites in Vietnam
Presented by: Mrs Doan Minh Hoa, Director, OSH Bureau, Ministry of Labour, Invalids and
Social Affairs, Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam has made significant advancements in terms of legislation and its implementation.
Vietnam is the first country in Asia to ratify ILO Convention No.155 on Occupational Safety
and Health and Working Environment. Controlling compliance with OSH regulations is the
responsibility of the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA). The
department is responsible for issuing regulations and policies on occupational health and safety.
The trend of occupational accidents in construction is increasing. Surveys also showed that the
main reasons for occupational accidents in these small working sites were dropping things,
platform collapse, falling from height, and slipping. The occupational accident statistics showed
that there were 94 accidents leading to 100 injuries, 22 deaths and 56 seriously injured persons
in construction for the first six months of 2004. Occupational diseases increase annually. The
main occupational diseases are silicosis and loss of hearing.
2.6 Onsite training for a construction project
Presented by: Mr Wong Wing Chee, Project Director, T & S Partners Limited
Hong Kong SAR PRChina
Having a good site safety culture and providing a safe workplace for workers are two of the
main factors which help to increase their productivity as well as accident prevention. Between
May 1999 to September 2002 management insisted on the achievement of an established
objective for occupational health and safety for the contract of the Tseung Kwan O Extension
project (MTRC) in Hong Kong. General safety training was a key element of the program.
All supervisors, site engineers and safety representatives attended safety training courses and all
of these people were appointed responsible for certain working areas or a specified operation.
The project won the MTRC Construction Safety Award for the best contractor in 2000. The
average frequency rate was maintained at about 1.1 per 1000,000 man hours. This was the
lowest accident frequency rate for the 16 contractors involved in the project. The enhancement
program resulted in a trend of continued improvement of site safety performance that directly
benefited the construction industry.
Conclusions and Lessons from Session 2
General Conclusion
Many nations have introduced multi-faceted approaches to OHS in the construction workplace.
A common theme is to seek to improve the safety culture of the industry by identifying the
barriers to improvement and the imperatives for success
Lesson for Labour Inspection
Labour Inspectorates can maximise use of their scarce resources to address OHS issues in the
construction sector by sharing the experiences of all nations and seeking to adopt best practice
approaches suitable for their social, political and economic environment.
10
3
Session 3:
Safety and Health by Design
Roles and Responsibilities
–
Chairperson: Mr Raimundo Bento, Head of Labour Inspection,
Labour Affairs Bureau, Macao SAR PRChina
3.1 Building in construction health and safety: the role of clients, designers
and suppliers – the UK experience
Presented by: Mr Kevin Myers, Chief Inspector of Construction, Health & Safety Executive,
United Kingdom
The UK construction industry has 1.5 million site workers and 400,000 professionals and
consultants. The industry is highly fragmented and has a poor health and safety record with
significant ill health risks. An influence model was presented discussing the different levels of
the influence network for safety in the construction industry. The presentation also described
the responsibilities of clients within the construction industry.
The role of designers was discussed identifying that designers are uniquely placed to eliminate
hazards and risks at the source. Designers were defined as architects, temporary works
engineers or clients if they specify a particular material or work method. The role of suppliers
was considered important. It was suggested that suppliers can eliminate hazards and risks at the
source. The presentation discussed an integration toolkit aimed at integrating the project team
and removing barriers between design and implementation. The integration tool kit is at
www.strategicforum.org.uk
3.2 Designing government and industry partnerships for safety in the
construction industry
Presented by: Mr John Watson, General Manager – OHS, Workcover NSW,
Sydney Australia
The strength of the New South Wales economy has seen tremendous activity in the construction
industry over recent years. Over the last decade Workcover NSW has worked closely with the
construction industry through a series of consultative forums. In partnership with these industry
forums, Workcover has produced a broad range of codes of practice and guides to provide
practical information and advice to industry on safe systems of work.
The New South Wales Construction Memorandum was launched at the end of October 1998 and
was signed by the relevant Ministers of the day, 17 principal contractors and a number of
supporting signatories from employer associations and trade unions. The memorandum
committed the signatories to work in partnership to implement the revised and modernized
occupational health and safety legislation and to significantly improve the construction
industry’s safety performance. The MOU produced a series of important industry tools and
resources.
11
The presentation summarised that the establishment of the construction MOU had a significant
impact on improving OHS in the construction sector within New South Wales.
3.3 Behaviour-based safety in Hong Kong
Presented by: Mr Pang Kwok-Lam, Chief Occupational Safety Officer, Labour Department,
Hong Kong SAR PRChina
The principle underpinning Behavioural Based Safety (BBS) is deceptively simple - identify the
key behaviours that cause accidents, then reduce them. Management need to identify and
measure the safe and at-risk behaviour that is occurring in the workplace, and reinforce the
positive behaviours or modify the negative behaviours by selected appropriate intervention.
It was noted that BBS has now moved into the construction industry where some experts and
some safety professionals argue that BBS may not work because of the industry’s unstable
workforce. Organizations that plan to start practicing BBS need to carefully consider its
suitability in terms of their own organizational factors such as resources and nature of their own
work environment.
It was reported that management generally felt that the BBS approach had increased employee
involvement, teamwork, morale, employer / employee relations and communication. It was
noted that BBS needs to be integrated into and go hand in hand with other safety management
functions.
3.4 Focused Health and Safety Inspection Campaigns in the Northern
Ireland Construction Industry
Presented by: Mr Ken Logan, Principal Health & Safety Inspector, Health & Safety Executive,
Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Construction Industry consists of approximately 8,510 construction
companies and employs 60,440 workers. The industry is responsible for the deaths of
approximately five workers per year. An analysis of the last five years of fatal accidents
indicates that falls from heights continues to be the major cause of incidents.
Actions by HSENI can broadly be divided into two key areas - promotional activities and
intervention actions. Promotional activities include giving advice, organising seminars,
delivering lectures and providing information articles to the construction press.
Intervention actions involve a number of approaches to encourage businesses to improve site
inspection. These include investigation of accidents, dangerous occurrences and complaints,
and intervention strategies to engage clients, designers and planning supervisors, health and
safety management audits, strategic inspection plans and focused inspection campaigns.
12
3.5 Introduction of labour inspection in Bhutan
Presented by: Mr Pema Wangda, Director, Department of Labor, Bhutan
The presentation provided a brief summary of the labour situation in the country of Bhutan with
an emphasis on the construction sector. Bhutan is yet to develop a labour administration system
or a system for occupational health and safety in construction. With a total area of a little over
38,000 sq km and a population of just over 600,000, Bhutan is a small country.
Construction is a booming sector employing over 90% of the foreign workers in Bhutan. The
Department of Labour was formally established in December 2003. It has been stated that
social and economic development in Bhutan in the last four decades has been greater than that
of the last three centuries.
It is noted that Bhutan has drafted a Labour Administration Policy document that is under
review by the Government. A labour and Employment Act is being finalised for submission to
the National Assembly early next year. It was identified that change processes in rapidly
developing countries often outstrip the ability of institutions to adjust and adapt.
3.6 Labour inspection in the construction sector
Presented by: Mr Wolfgang von Richthofen, International Consultant, IALI, France
The presentation provided an overview of labour inspection in construction and the book Labour
Inspection “A Guide to the Profession” written by Mr Wolfgang von Richthofen was briefly
reviewed. The problems of the construction sector were discussed along with international
labour standards and special inspection systems. New legislative strategies and strategies for
inspection, enforcement and persuasion were presented. A German case study discussed 11
steps for a safe and successful construction business.
It was noted that the book, Labour Inspection “A Guide to the Profession” contained all the
necessary detail for those interested in gaining further insight into health and safety issues
associated with the construction industry.
3.7 Developing and implementing contractors safety management
programme for clients and inspecting engineers
Presented by: Mr Peter C C Cheung, Vice-President, The Hong Kong Registered Safety
Auditors Association, Hong Kong SAR PRChina
In Hong Kong, the building and construction industry plays a major role in the economy. There
are many construction sites were contractors have implemented their safety management system
inadequately. It was observed that the problems/difficulties arise in implementation due to
competitive tendering, extensive use of subcontractors, poor accident records and reporting
system, the low priority given to safety, inadequate safety training provided to contractors
management and workers.
13
The paper identified the role played by clients and inspecting engineers and describes the safety
management programme developed and implemented by a public transport operator (client) for
supervising and monitoring the safety performance of contractors. This paper suggests that
improving site safety through a partnering and sociological approach may be another issue to be
further developed in the future.
Conclusions and Lessons from Session 3
General Conclusion
Prevent the health or safety problem BEFORE starting work
Lesson for Labour Inspection
Focus inspection activities up-stream of the construction project - that is, on the client, designer
and supplier.
Ensure the involvement of everyone (eg inspecting engineers, OHS advisors, all contractors)
and concentrate on the safety interface between them.
Use the principal contractor to influence and control performance of sub-contractors.
14
4 Session 4:
Health Issues in Construction
Chairperson: Mr Wolfgang von Richthofen, International
Consultant, IALI, France
4.1 Occupational health in relation to the construction sector
Presented by: Dr Hisashi Ogawa, Regional Adviser in Health Settings and Environment,
Western Pacific Regional Office, World Health Organization.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that occupational risk factors were
responsible for 22.5 million disability-adjusted life years in the year 2000. The mortality
attributed to these occupational risk factors in 2000 was estimated at approximately 700,000
globally.
It was identified that construction workers move from one worksite to another and are often
temporarily employed, sub-contracted or foreigners. For such a mobile workforce, it is difficult
to provide occupational health services, including the regular health examination of workers and
the monitoring of potential risk factors. It was recommended that occupational safety and health
activities should be incorporated in the planning process of a construction project.
In recent years WHO has promoted the development of healthy workplaces. A healthy
workplace is not only free of hazards, but also provides an environment that is stimulating and
satisfying for those who work there - everyone works together.
4.2 Labour inspection in Africa
Presented by: Mr Sammy Nyambari, IALI Vice-President and Executive Director of African
Regional Labour Administration Centre (ARLAC), Harare, Zimbabwe
This presentation outlined the coverage and status of inspection systems, challenges and
problems, health issues in construction, prospects and the way forward. The presentation
discussed occupational diseases and health issues identified as a concern in Africa.
A holistic and systems approach is required, understanding that inspection services and
inspectors operate in specific dynamics and arrangements and that there is need to re-engineer
them on a continuous basis.
The product, service and labour markets are all developing globally, while labour administration
is only evolving. Inspectorates need to keep pace with the changing environment. Labour
inspection has an important role to play in poverty alleviation, social protection, productivity
improvement and wealth creation. It can be re-engineered to be an effective tool for economic
growth and development.
15
4.3 China’s national policy and system of protection of workers for
occupational disease prevention and control
Presented by: Mr He Qinghua, Director, Division of Public Health Supervision, Department
of Health Law Enforcement and Supervision, Ministry of Health, PR China
China is the largest developing country - at the end of 2003 the population was 1.29 billion. A
law of the People’s Republic of China for the prevention and control of occupational diseases,
was adopted on 27 October 2001 and came into effect on 1 May 2002. The objective of the new
national law is to prevent, control and eliminate occupational hazards, to prevent and control
occupational diseases and to protect the health and related rights of workers.
The stress of global competition may lead employers to view the prevention of occupational
injuries and protection of workers’ health not as an integral part of quality management, but as a
barrier to trade.
5 principles for action:
 Protection of health is very important
 Prevention first
 Develop & strengthen scientific research & international cooperation
 National laws, regulations and standards
 Better understanding about health hazards of occupational exposure for workers
The presentation highlighted that the basic principles of hazard management are essential in
preventing and controlling occupational disease.
4.4 Asbestos-related diseases among construction workers in Japan
Presented by: Dr Yuji Natori, Managing Director, Hirano-Kameido-Himawari Clinic,
Tokyo, Japan
This presentation covered a general overview of the Construction Industry and provided specific
information on asbestos related disease to construction workers in Japan. In relation to
occupational respiratory diseases, dust and asbestos have been leading causes.
Dr Natori’s presentation stated that the prevention of asbestos-related diseases among
construction workers requires collaborative, well-informed action by both construction workers
and managers. Experiences show the importance of voluntary programs through local teamwork
that combine awareness training, health surveillance and participatory action training.
It was noted that the implications of asbestos exposure among construction workers in Japan are
yet to be studied. Concerns are growing that comprehensive programs must address the past
exposures and those exposures that still occur.
16
4.5 Status and measure of occupational disease control in China
Presented by: Mr Li Tao, Director, National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison
Centre, PRChina
The presentation outlined the current status of occupational disease in China and discussed
several studies relating to occupational disease within the construction industry.
It was identified that there has been a significant increase in the numbers of migrant workers in
China. China has made significant improvements in standards but it was acknowledged that
there are still some serious incidents resulting in acute or chronic exposures to hazards.
Pneumoconiosis was identified as the main occupational disease in China.
Keys to occupational disease prevention are comprehensive laws, monitoring for hazards and
surveillance for workers. China’s health monitoring and surveillance program covers large
enterprises through to small SME’s all across the country, towns and townships and migrant
workers need the highest level of control. All of China’s 700 million workforce are included in
the program and each receive a certificate of their heath status.
4.6 The current status of nuclear technology peace application and
government supervision on radiological protection in China
Presented by: Mr Su Xu, Director, National Institute of Radiological Protection, PRChina
Concurrently with the rapid development of the peaceful use of nuclear technology in China, the
Government has strengthened the supervision and management of radiation safety in radiation
workers, the radiation health legislation, the law enforcement and control of radiation health,
personal monitoring and health supervision of radiation workers.
It was identified that there are still a number of radiation establishments unmindful of abiding by
the law and regulation, using radiation sources and radioactive isotopes without a licence,
operating against the regulations and refusing to mend their ways in spite of repeated requests
following several incidents.
Control measures include legislation, law enforcement, control of radiation health, personal
monitoring, licenses, notification, increased control over production, sale, use, transportation,
storage and abandonment, standardisation of monitoring methods and technical training of grass
roots workers nationwide in dose monitoring.
Conclusions and Lessons from Session 4
General Conclusion
Preventing exposure to health risks requires a holistic approach involving employers, workers
and the whole community in promoting and protecting healthy work styles and lifestyles.
Identification of health risks & control measures must be included in the planning stage of any
construction project
17
Lesson for Labour Inspection
Effective prevention of occupational disease involves a combination of awareness raising, health
surveillance and participatory action training. Labour inspection has an important role in this
type of programme together with health authorities and community organisations.
18
5 Session 5: Passports to Safety
Chairperson: Ms Michele Patterson, Executive Director,
Workplace Services, Adelaide, Australia
5.1 Protecting and saving lives: the emerging challenge in Macao and Asia
Presented by: Dr Shuen Ka Hung, Director, Labour Affairs Bureau, Macao SAR PRChina
Economic growth in most countries of Asia and the Pacific, the fastest growing region in the
world, is opening up new opportunities for improving the quality of working life. Governments
continue to promote employment generation and modernisation of the construction industry.
Such development has a direct impact on working conditions.
Macao is experiencing an economic transition. There is an immense expansion in the tourism
industry, which is followed by development in the construction industry. The current legislation
lacks the prescriptive umbrella deemed necessary and fails to define accountabilities
supplemented by succinct regulations and industry led codes of practice or guidelines. In
addition enforcement should be underlined and enhanced in the whole industry.
Planning of construction work, safety programs, improved supervision, consultation and
occupational health promotion are all essential emerging challenges this industry must consider.
The prevention of injuries in the construction industry is feasible given a commitment by both
employers and employees to the implementation of site-specific preventive strategies.
5.2 Involving the construction site workforce in safety management
Presented by: Mr John Sheens, Operations Manager, Built Environs, Adelaide, Australia
This paper covered the history behind and reason for developing safety systems based around
the Australian experience in a culture where the social gulf between worker and boss is not as
great as in other countries. During the presentation various company safety-related forms and
inspection sheets were presented.
Mr Sheens suggested that with force comes resistance, so look at solving the ‘safety culture’
issue from a different angle - from the bottom end by involving the workforce in site safety
management.
The presentation included a summary of the company’s “Mate Watch” Programme. This
programme is a guide for protecting yourself and your mates at work.
The Mate Watch theme is “You watch my back I’ll watch yours”.
19
5.3 Making competence count
Presented by: Mr Michael Cosman, Manager National Operations, Department of Labour,
New Zealand
This presentation took a broad view of the factors that influence whether or not competence
based passport schemes will actually deliver improved safety behaviours and as a result reduce
injury and illness.
The presentation highlighted the key aspects of the “Influence Network” model that was
developed in the UK. The model has been used by several industries and the presenter is
currently using the model in New Zealand to assist in controlling hazards in the workplace. The
starting point of the influence network is to look at workplace accidents as part of a whole
complex array of factors that affect how people and organisations think and act. In order to
apply the model you must consider the factors surrounding unsafe worker actions. You must
also look in detail at what determines how you end up with trained and competent workers,
acting safely within a well-managed worksite.
As regulators, Mr Cosman said that we need to work with all the stakeholders in the
construction industry, employers, employees and their representatives, clients (especially
Government), engineers, training providers and the specialist media to create an environment in
which there is sustained pressure for improvement.
5.4 Status Quo of Safe Production in China’s Engineering and Construction
Industry and its Countermeasures
Presented by: Mr Wang Shu-Ping, Division Chief, Ministry of Construction, PRChina
In order to strengthen safety management in construction and to safeguard the safety of life and
property, the nationwide construction industry has undertaken a great deal of productive work.
There has been the establishment of safety laws and codes and the development of technical
standards. There has been a direct aim to address weak sectors of the construction industry
particularly in the areas of supervision and control.
There is a need to continue to strengthen the construction legal system and revise the
regulations. The local laws and regulations including technical standards and specifications on
the safe production of construction work must consider local conditions. The need to increase
the force of the law according to the principle that no one is let off and that serious accidents are
dealt with severely, is important. A focus will be placed on accident investigation, identifying
responsibilities and specifically inquiring about the leadership of the relevant person in charge in particular the project manager, legal representatives and the manager of the company.
A new challenge is the swift growth of the construction sector. This economic sector now
includes government and privately owned companies and foreign investment. On some
construction sites, peasant workers may occupy 90% of the jobs. Their safety protection
consciousness and operating skills are poor, and their job skills and training are a long way from
meeting the desired qualifications.
20
Conclusions and Lessons from Session 5
General Conclusion
The market pressure comes from an appreciation that organisations employing skilled and
competent workers are more likely to deliver better value in the form of higher quality
construction, delivered on time and on budget and more safely.
Lesson for Labour Inspection
Statutory requirements for training do not ensure competence. Inspection systems must seek to
test whether the construction environment encourages the genuine development of competence
of workers in every construction task. Competent workers are the key to successful health and
safety outcomes.
21
6
List of Participants: (sorted by country & family name)
Lamont, Mr Peter
Assistant General Manager
Workplace Health & Safety
Queensland, AUSTRALIA
McSorley, Ms Loiuse
Executive Manager
National Health & Safety Commission
Canberra, AUSTRALIA
Sheens, Mr John
Operations Manager
Built Environs Pty Ltd
South Australia, AUSTRALIA
Wangda, Mr Pema
Director
Department of Labour
BHUTAN
Chen, Mr Dong-hui
Vice-director
Sichuan Provincial Employment Bureau
CHINA
Guan, Mrs Jing He
Division Head
Mnistry of Labour & Social Security
CHINA
Hu, Mr Xue-yi
Director
The Second Branch of Second
Department of State Administration of
Work Safety
CHINA
Li, Prof Tao
Director
National Insitutue of Occupational Health
& Poison Centre
CHINA
Ouyang, Mr Zhi-hong
Vice Division Chief
Ministry of Construction
CHINA
Markos, Mr Ian
Principal Coordinator,
Compliance & Investigation
Workplace Services
South Australia, AUSTRALIA
Patterson, Ms Michele
Executive Director
Workplace Services
South Australia, AUSTRALIA
Watson, Mr John
General Manager – OHS
Workcover
New South Wales, AUSTRALIA
Cao, Mr Yun
Director
The Labour & Social Security Department
of Yunnan Province
CHINA
Fang, Mr Chao-gui
Director
Guangdong Labour & Social Security
Department
CHINA
He, Mr Qinghua
Director
Division of Public Health Supervision
Department of Health Law Enforcement &
Supervision
CHINA
Li, Mr Liang-ye
Head of Department
The Labor & Social Security Bureau of
Guangxi
CHINA
Liu, Mr Xu
Director
Ministry of Labour & Social Security
CHINA
Qu, Mr Zhen-li
Deputy Director General
Administration of Work Safety
CHINA
22
Qian, Mr Ruizhi
General Manager
Fujian Labour Despatch Services Co Ltd
CHINA
Su, Prof Xu
Director
National Institute for Radiological
Protection
CHINA
Wang, Mr Ke Yi
Director
Department of Labour and Social
Security of Fujian Province
CHINA
Wang, Mr Ying-ji
Director
The Labour, Personnel & Social Security
Administration of Hainan Province
CHINA
Xie, Mr Ying-hui
Engineer
National Centre of Safety Science &
Technology
CHINA
Yang, Mr Shao-hong
Director
The Labour & Social Security
Department of Yunnan Province
CHINA
Zhang, Mr Lan Ting
Deputy Division Head
Ministry of Labour & Social Security
CHINA
Zhang, Mr Yu-long
Section Chief
Administration of Work Safety
CHINA
Ratakele, Mr Mosese
Senior Engineer
Ministry of Labour Industrial Relations &
Productivity
FUJI
Cheung, Mr Matthew Kin-Chung
Permanent Secretary for Economic
Development and Labour &
Commissioner for Labour
HONG KONG CHINA
Qu, Mr Qi
Division Chief
Ministry of Construction
CHINA
Qang, Mr Ji-yuan
Deputy Director General
International Labour Organization, Pequium
Office
CHINA
Wang, Mr Shu-ping
Division Chief
Ministry of Construction
CHINA
Wu, Mr Xin
Director General
The Second Department of Stage
Administration of Work Safety
CHINA
Yang, Mr Jin-fu
Vice-Director
Labour & Social Security Department of
Guizhou Province
CHINA
Zeba, Mr Zu
Director
Sichuan Provincial Department of Labor &
Social Security
CHINA
Zhang, Mr Yong
Vice-Director
The Labour & Social Security of Jiang Xi
Province
CHINA
von Richthofen, Mr Wolfgang
International Consultant
International Association of Labour
Inspection
FRANCE
Chan, Mr Kelvin
Safety Manager
China State Construction Engineering (Hong
Kong) Ltd
HONG KONG CHINA
Cheung, Mr Peter
Vice President
The Hong Kong Registered Safety Auditors
Association
HONG KONG CHINA
23
Ho, Mr Tit-ying
Deputy Chief Occupational Safety officer
Labour Department
HONG KONG CHINA
Pang, Mr Kwok-Iam
Chief Occupational Safety Officer
Labour Department
HONG KONG CHINA
Tso, Mr Sing-hin
Assistant Commissioner for Labour
(Occupational Safety)
Labour Department
HONG KONG CHINA
Wong, Mr Wing-chee
Project Director
T & S Partners Ltd
HONG KONG CHINA
Natori, Dr Yuji
Managing Director
Hirano-Kameido-Himawari Clinic
JAPAN
Shimaura, Mr Yukio
Official, Central Labour Standards
Administration Inspector
Labour Standards Bureau
JAPAN
Taya, Mr Shinsuke
Deputy Chief, Kameido Labour
Standards Inspection Office
Ministry of Health, Labour & Welfare
JAPAN
Au, Ms Mariana
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Cesar, Mr Luis Manuel dos R
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Chan, Mr Kam-fai
Engenheiro Civil
Lands, Public Works & Transport Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Chan, Mr Tak Son
Secretary General
Macau Engineering Superintendent
Association
MACAO CHINA
Lam, Mr Kai-wing ivan
President
Hong Kong Occupational Safety & Health
Association
HONG KONG CHINA
Tang, Mr Wah-shing
Executive Director
Occupational Safety & Health Council
HONG KONG CHINA
Wong, Mr Miu Chuen Jason
Senior Consultant
Occupational Safety & Health Council
HONG KONG CHINA
Yip, Mr Sai-cheung
Occupational Hygienist
Labour Department
HONG KONG CHINA
Niwayama, Mr Yoshihiro
Official, Central Labour Standards
Administration Inspector
Labour Standards Bureau
Ministry of Health, Labour & Welfare
JAPAN
Shinkawa, Mr Shizuo
Chief, Higashiosaka Labour Standards
Inspection Office
Ministry of Health, Labour & Welfare
JAPAN
Au, Mr Kin Meng
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Bento, Mr Raimundo
Department Head
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Chan, Ms Anabela
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Chan, Ms Tinna
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACOA CHINA
Cheang, Ms Mou Cheng
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
24
Chio, Ms Veronica
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Choi, Mr Leng-va
Architect
Lands, Public Works & Transport Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Ferreira, Mr Fernando Antonio
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Fong, Ms Chut Nei
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Ip, Ms Mo Lan
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Kong, Mr Vai Keong
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Kuan, Mr Joe
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Kuok, Mr Lam Sek
Macau Engineering Superintendent
Association
MACAO CHINA
Lai, Mr Weng-leong
Civil Engineer
Lands, Public Works & Transport Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Lam, Mr Kin Wang
Avenida Tamagnini Barbosa
Vice President
MACAO CHINA
Lam, Mr Soi-cheong
Lands, Public Works & Transport Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Lao, Ms Teresa
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Lee, Mr David
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Lei, Mr Fernando
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Choi, Ms Debby
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Chong, Mr Keng-un
Architect
Lands, Public Works & Transport Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Fong, Mr Afonso
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Fong, Mr Veng Kit
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Ip, Mr Wai Seng
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Ku, Mr Antonio
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Kuan, Ms Luciana
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Kwan, Mr Pui Kay
Consultant
CEM
MACAO CHINA
Lam, Ms Iok Cheong
Acting Department Head
Labour Affairs Department
MACAO CHINA
Lam, Ms Laura
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Lao, Ms Gloria
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Lau, Mr Wilkie
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Lee, Miss Mou-sun
Civil Engineer
Lands, Public Works & Transport Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Lei, Mr Iao-tak
Civil Engineer
Lands, Public Works & Transport Bureau
MACAO CHINA
25
Lei, Ms Iris
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Leong, Ms Cheng Man
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Leong, Mr Simon
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Loi, Mr Seong-san
Chefe da Divisao
Lands, Public Works & Transport Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Mak, Mr Shui-sun
President
Macao Engineering Super Indendment
Association
MACAO CHINA
Ng, Mr Peng Chi
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Pang, Mr Hon Chi
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Rossario, Mr Amadeu J Do
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Shuen, Dr Ka-hung
Director
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Siqueira, Mr Mario
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Sou, Mr Joao Paulo
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Tam, Mr Lurdes
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Ting, Ms Lai Kuan
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
U, Ms Rebeca
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Lei, Ms Luisa
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Leong, Mr Kuai Tong
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Leong, Mr Wai Tong
Macau Engineering Superintendent
Association
MACAO CHINA
Lok, Mr Wai-choi
Chief of Division
Lands, Public Works & Transport Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Ng, Mr Iok-tong
Lands, Public Works & Transport Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Noqueira, Mr Rogerio A C
Labour AffairsBureau
MACAO CHINA
Pereira, Mr Hugo Manuel
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Rui, Mr Martins
Supervision
Profabril Asiaconsult
MACAO CHINA
Sin, Ms Alice
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Sou, Mr Iuis
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Sou, Mr Simon
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Tang, Mr Artur
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Tong, Mr Francisco
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Vincente, Mr Rogerio da Luz
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
26
Wan, Ms Sonia
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Wong, Mr Chi-Hong
Technical Advisor
Cabinet of the Secretary for Economy
and Finance of the Government of Macao
SAR MACAO CHINA
Wong, Ms Julia
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Bin Yahya, Mr Amir
Director of Industrial Safety Division
Department of Occupational Safety &
Health
MALAYSIA
Logan, Mr Ken
Principal Health & Safety Inspector
Health & Safety Executive Northern
Ireland
NORTHERN IRELAND
Takala, Dr Jukka
Director of Safe Work Programme
International Labour Office
SWITZERLAND
Chiravisit, Mr Surin
Director
Department of Labour Protection &
Welfare
Ministry of Labour
THAILAND
Montawan, Mr Nuttawat
Inspector General
Department of Labour Protection &
Welfare
Ministry of Labour
THAILAND
Nual-on, Mr Akarapong
Labour Officer
Department of Labour Protection &
Welfare
Ministry of Labour
THAILAND
Veerakitborikarn, Mr Swang
Labour Officer
Department of Labour Protection &
Welfare
THAILAND
Wong, Ms betty
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Wong, Mr Chiu-man
Engenheiro Civil
Lands, Public Works & Transport Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Wong, Ms Olivia
Labour Affairs Bureau
MACAO CHINA
Cosman, Mr Michael
Manager National Operations
OSH Department of Labour
WELLINGTON NEW ZEALAND
Ogawa, Dr Hisashi
Regional Adviser in Healthy Settings &
Environment
Western Pacific Regional Office
PHILLIPPINES
Boonsanong, Mr Kiattisak
Labour Officer
Department of Labour Protection & Welfare
Ministry of Labour
THAILAND
Chitrapatima, Miss Nongnuch
Legal Officer
Department of Labour Protection & Welfare
Ministry of Labour
THAILAND
Naksawat, Mrs Raweewan
Director of Province Labour Protection &
Welfare Office
Department of Labour Protection & Welfare
Ministry of Labour
THAILAND
Phakpanich, Mr Somnuek
Labour Officer
Department of Labour Protection & Welfare
Ministry of Labour
THAILAND
Mukasa, Mr William
Senior Specialised Safety Inspector
Occupational Safety & Health Department
UGANDA
27
Ellis, Dr Adrian
President
International Association of Labour
Inspection
UNITED KINGDOM
Bui, Dr Sy Loi
Diector of Labour Inspection Department
Ministry of labour, Invalids & Social
Affairs
VIETNAM
Le, Mrs Kim Dung
Project Coordinator of Safework &
Intergrated Labour Inspection
International Labour Organization
VIETNAM
Myers, Mr Denis Kevin
Chief Inspector of Construction
Health & Safety Executive
UNITED KINGDOM
Doan, Mrs Minh Hoa
Director of Occupational Safety Department
Ministry of Labour, Invalids & Social
Affairs
VIETNAM
Tran, Dr Mai
Director, Chairman of Project Sterring
Committee on Safework & Intergrated
Labour Inspection
Ministry of Labour, Invalids 7 Social Affairs
VIETNAM
Nyambari, Mr Sammy
Executive Director
African Regional labour Administration
Centre
ZIMBABWE
28