The government spares no effort in its multi-pronged approach to driving the adoption of Smart Site Safety System (4S). As a tool, 4S has been proven in its ability to uplift site safety by providing real-time, timely alerts to supervisors and workers regarding potential dangerous incidents. It draws on big data analysis to identify systemic safety issues on-site, hence helping to formulate corresponding enhancement measures. It also facilitates the construction progress’ efficient management and the construction industry’s sustainable development.
Apart from requiring capital works contracts with a contract sum exceeding HK$30 million to fully adopt 4S, the government subsidises private development project sites to adopt 4S through the Construction Innovation and Technology Fund (CITF). To speed up 4S adoption in the construction industry, the government recently rolled out three new measures:
- With effect from 1 July 2024, the Buildings Department implemented mandatory measures according to which certain conditions are imposed (under the Buildings Ordinance) when granting the first approval, or approval of major revisions of superstructure plans, of private development projects. These conditions are such as to require 4S adoption with a view to providing qualified supervision of building works. For building works with an estimated cost exceeding HK$30 million and involving the use of mobile plants and tower cranes, registered contractors are required to adopt relevant 4S alert systems;
- The Development Bureau (DEVB) and the Construction Industry Council (CIC) jointly launched the 4S Labelling Scheme. Labels will be issued to construction sites having satisfactorily passed the on-site inspection and assessment of proper 4S adoption. The 4S label will be placed at conspicuous spots around construction sites for identification and ease of monitoring, also facilitating enforcement departments to monitor sites without 4S labels. The list of construction sites with 4S label is available at the CIC’s website (www.cic.hk/4s-labelling/en/project-list) for public inspection; and
- CITF’s support scope has been extended to cover the relevant additional expenses in various aspects of 4S adoption, including upgrading the network capacity, additional manpower to be employed for maintenance and technical support. The DEVB has also launched 4S products packages for various types and scales of private development projects in collaboration with the CIC.
The government will continue to review and update the 4S application in the hope of establishing 4S as a brand for Hong Kong’s construction industry.
This article is contributed by the Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government.