Construction Industry Council - Annual Report 2024

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 135 OPERATIONAL REVIEW The Committee will also take regulatory actions against registered companies convicted by the court or those that violate the Rules and Procedures of the RSTCS. When evidence is established, the Committee will convene hearings with representatives of involved registered companies to determine the appropriate penalties. An independent appeal mechanism is also established to handle appeal cases. Throughout the year, a total of 69 registered companies were subjected to regulatory actions such as suspension or written warnings. These actions mainly involved violation of the relevant legislations concerning safety, late payment of wages and MPF contributions, as well as cases of serious incidents on construction sites. All regulatory actions taken will be communicated to all registered companies, supporting organisations, and other stakeholders through electronic direct mailing (eDM) and published on the RSTCS website. Way Forward The RSTCS will continue to support the ongoing safety and professionalism of specialist trades and collaborate with all stakeholders to expand its adoption for fostering the continuous development of the local subcontracting sector. Enhance Regulatory Action Mechanism Construction safety is of paramount importance. On 1 January 2024, the RSTCS introduced an immediate suspension of registration mechanism for enhancing efficacy. The Committee on Registered Specialist Trade Contractors Scheme (“the Committee”) can immediately suspend the registration of companies involved in serious accidents on construction sites. These registered companies must conduct an independent safety audit to review their safety management system and submit improvement based on the results of the safety audit and complete the implementation of the improvement measures. The Committee will consider lifting the “immediate suspension” upon the completion of an independent safety audit to the satisfaction of the committee by the registered company concerned. In 2024, a total of 16 registered companies were suspended in all designated trades, trades, and specialities. The CIC will continue to stringently follow up with registered companies involved in serious incidents in accordance with the regulatory mechanism under the RSTCS.