Construction Industry Council - Annual Report 2024

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 127 OPERATIONAL REVIEW Additionally, the HKCITTC actively participated in promoting truss-out scaffolding safety throughout the year, including participating in a TV promotional video production with the Construction Safety Department of the CIC and taking part in online seminars with the Property Management Services Authority and the Construction Safety Department of the CIC. Promotional Video: Updated Code of Practice for Truss-out Scaffolding Promoting Professional Development in the Truss- out Scaffolding Industry To promote professional development, construction quality, and safety in the truss-out scaffolding industry, the CIC collaborated with the Development Bureau, Labour Department, and Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC) to enhance safety for truss-out scaffolding in various aspects, including the professionalism and recognition of truss-out scaffolding contractors, safety awareness of construction workers, safety management systems, and construction quality. The CIC launched the Registered Specialist Trade Contractors Scheme for the scaffolding industry and the OSHC’s OSH Star Enterprise – Truss-out Scaffolding Safety Accreditation Scheme (Safety Accreditation Scheme). Trade Testing The Hong Kong Construction Industry Trade Testing Centre (HKCITTC) remains dedicated to offering independent, equitable and creditable trade testing services. In 2024, the HKCITTC conducted over 22,000 trade tests and other services, including civil and building construction trade tests, construction- related electrical and mechanical trade tests, truss- out scaffolder safety training, trade tests for Grade A electrical work, certification tests for machineries and crane operation, etc. In parallel with maintaining high-quality and efficient trade testing services, the HKCITTC is also committed to collaborating with the construction industry to establish and enhance the construction skills standards. Keeping Up with Industry Developments, Enhancing Construction Skills and Safety Standards Continuously Improving and Promoting Safety of Truss-out Scaffolding The HKCITTC launched the Truss-out Scaffolder Safety Training in 2023 to provide safety training for truss-out scaffolders and assess their skills in erecting and dismantling truss-out scaffolds safely. In 2024, the Labour Department published a revised “Code of Practice for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety”, requiring trained workers performing truss-out scaffold works to hold a valid Truss-out Scaffolder Safety Training certificate. In order to support the industry practitioners to fulfill these requirements before the revised regulations take effect on 19 October 2024, the HKCITTC allocated resources to ensure all candidates who applied for the Truss-out Scaffolder Safety Training before 30 September 2024 could complete the training by due date.