Taiwan launches construction safety initiative aiming for zero accidents

Chiayi County has established its first "safety and health family" initiative specifically for the construction industry, spearheaded by Changda Construction. This program marks a significant step toward enhancing workplace safety in a sector known for its inherent risks.

The initiative operates on a "big company leads small companies" model, where Changda Construction will guide and support smaller and medium-sized enterprises with weaker safety protocols. County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang emphasized the importance of this collaborative approach in building a safer and healthier working environment.

“

By having a core enterprise take the lead in a 'big company leads small company' approach, we can assist and guide small and medium-sized enterprises with weaker industrial safety to create a safer and healthier work environment.

The launch event included the signing of a safety and health covenant by Weng, representatives from the Ministry of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and Zhang Jiarong, chairman of Changda Construction. Attendees also experienced various safety equipment, including hearing protection, confined space rescue gear, fall protection systems, and cooling suits, to promote a culture of workplace safety.

“

Construction is a high-risk industry. Work sites often involve working at heights, operating heavy machinery, scaffolding, and confined spaces. A slight carelessness can lead to major occupational disasters, affecting workers' lives and family happiness.

Weng highlighted that the construction industry is high-risk, with activities like working at heights, operating heavy machinery, and dealing with scaffolding and confined spaces. He stressed that even minor mistakes can lead to severe accidents, impacting workers' lives and families. The initiative aims to move towards the goal of "zero occupational accidents."

Lin Pui-ssu, deputy director of the southern regional occupational safety and health center, noted that recent amendments to the Occupational Safety Law, effective in July, will require construction firms to include risks from heat and climate in their disaster prevention plans. This includes measures like providing shade, rest areas, water, fans, misting systems, and cooling vests to mitigate heat-related illnesses among workers.

“

The amendment to the Occupational Safety Law, passed and promulgated by the president last December, will take effect in July. A key feature of the amendment is that construction companies should include risks of heat and climate in their disaster prevention plans, including the establishment of sunshade facilities and rest areas for workers, and the provision of drinking water, as well as fans, misting sprays, and cooling vests to reduce heatstroke for workers.