The Guiding Principles of Implementing an Effective Safety Management System in the Construction Industry — China State's Perspective

摘要

Construction industry has long be regarded worldwide a relatively hazardous industry affecting the health and safety of those at work. Various government bodies have stipulated statutory requirements, guidelines or code of practice for contractors to follow on the implementation of a safety management system of which more than ten elements are included. The main aim behind all this is obviously encouraging proprietors to take a proactive approach to prevent incidents in order to enhance safety performance, meaning safety can be managed. China State believes that a safety management system is not a one off exercise a company goes through once or twice yearly that automatically results in a safe designation. On the contrary, it is a continuous management process that, should effectively progress, reduces hazards and prevent incidents and thereby ensuring high standards on health and safety at work. Needless to say, the best safety programmes are and have to be fully integrated into the overall operating management system on a daily basis. According to the National Safety Council, safety management provides the structure, and organization necessary for a comprehensive and balanced safety management system. Such a system is proactive and preventive in approach and includes a formal method of measuring safety performance. It starts with a commitment from the top and involves all employees. China State being one of the largest contractors in Hong Kong has taken the initiatives of reviewing the different approaches adopted by various countries for the purpose of coming up with a better understanding of the guiding principles that can be referred to when formulating an appropriate strategy in implementing an effective safety management system for the company.