P-404 a Partnership Approach to Improve Work Safety in Confined Space – Hong Kong Experience

Introduction In late 2021, two serious accidents involving work at confined spaces happened in Hong Kong, resulting in three deaths and six injuries. Methods To tackle this proactively, OSHC partnered with industry stakeholders and hosted an array of activities to enhance awareness of related hazards and re-build industry’s capacity for safe confined space operations. Results Highlights of the activities are the launch of two long-term schemes: a safety sponsorship scheme for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and an accreditation scheme to help enterprises to set up safety management system (SMS). Promotion materials were also developed to remind confined space workers and workers working outside on dos and don’ts during incidents to reduce casualties. Sponsorship scheme covers (1) free safety training and refresher courses for confined space workers and supervisors; (2) financial support to buy gas detectors and dead-man alarm (motion detector); and (3) free consultancy services on use of safety equipment and how to conduct proper risk assessment. Discussion - Conclusion Accreditation Scheme further provides enterprises with (1) free consultancy support for developing and implementing SMS; (2) rescue equipment such as safety harnesses, tripods, winches and breathing apparatus; and (3) free accreditation service to validate the SMS so set up. Potential clients/ principals were engaged and persuaded to accord priority in hiring the accredited enterprises to undertake future confined space work who are better equipped to provide relevant service in safe manner. This in turn translates to more business for the accredited enterprises, providing incentive for the trade to join the scheme.