The Safety Forum for Works and Property Management Services 2026 Promotes Site Safety Culture Amid Industry Challenges

Housing Authority joins hands with industry to enhance site safety

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:

The Safety Forum for Works and Property Management Services 2026, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA), the Occupational Safety and Health Council and the Construction Industry Council, was held today (August 18) to promote a site safety culture.

Addressing the Forum's opening ceremony, the Permanent Secretary for Housing, Miss Charmaine Lee, said that rising project complexities, an ageing construction workforce as well as increasing extreme weather events present unprecedented and multifaceted challenges to the industry. However, these challenges also bring opportunities for transformation and enhancement. By deepening the application of innovative technologies, the sector can turn these challenges into driving forces for comprehensive industry upgrades.

Miss Lee said that while innovative technologies can boost efficiency, they can never replace the judgment and responsibility of management personnel. The industry must prioritise risk identification and mitigation at early project stages and adhere to the principle of "prevention over remediation" to safeguard site safety.

The theme of the Forum this year is "Design-DrivenTech-EmpoweredBuilding a New Era of Safety Together". Bringing together industry professionals to share the latest information and exchange insights, the Forum encourages stakeholders to strengthen safety considerations right from the design stage and leverage technology to enhance safety performance. It also promotes close collaboration between management and frontline workers to jointly build a robust site safety culture.

The Forum was held physically and broadcast online to disseminate safety information broadly to industry practitioners. Participants included works contractors, service providers for property management, cleaning and security, representatives from supporting organisations, members of the construction and academic sectors, as well as works and estate management staff of the HA.

The Forum, now in its 20th edition, continues to receive strong support and participation from various government departments, professional organisations, trade associations and labour unions to share practical experiences and insights on site safety. Over the years, the Forum has continuously promoted site safety messages, while actively fostering a safety culture across all levels from management to frontline staff in the industry.

The Safety Forum for Works and Property Management Services 2026, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Housing Authority, the Occupational Safety and Health Council and the Construction Industry Council, was held today (August 18) to promote site safety culture. Photo shows the Permanent Secretary for Housing, Miss Charmaine Lee (centre) visiting the smart technology and safety equipment exhibition. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Safety Forum for Works and Property Management Services 2026, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Housing Authority, the Occupational Safety and Health Council and the Construction Industry Council (CIC), was held today (August 18) to promote site safety culture. Photo shows the Permanent Secretary for Housing, Miss Charmaine Lee (centre), joined hands with the Chairman of the Occupational Safety and Health Council, Ms Bonnie Yau (second left); the Chairman of the CIC, Mr Thomas Ho (second right); the Deputy Director of Housing (Estate Management), Mr Michael Hong (first left); and the Acting Deputy Director of Housing (Development and Construction), Mr Max Wong (first right), to encourage the industry to jointly promote site safety. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Safety Forum for Works and Property Management Services 2026, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Housing Authority, the Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC) and the Construction Industry Council (CIC), was held today (August 18) to promote site safety culture. Photo shows the Permanent Secretary for Housing, Miss Charmaine Lee (front row, tenth right); the Executive Director of the OSHC, Ms Bonnie Yau (front row, tenth left); and the Chairman of the CIC, Mr Thomas Ho (front row, ninth right), pictured with representatives of supporting organisations and forum speakers. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passengers at airport

Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving passengers at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (October 10), and seized about 5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market value of about $1 million. Two persons were arrested.

A 59-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Manila, the Philippines, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds concealed in a check-in suitcase, in his possession. The man was then arrested. After investigations, Customs officers arrested a 58-year-old Mainland male passenger who also arrived in Hong Kong from Manila, the Philippines, yesterday, and was suspected to be connected with the case.

The two arrested men have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (October 12).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will also continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving passengers at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (October 10), and seized about 5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market value of about $1 million. Two persons were arrested. Photo shows the suspected cannabis buds seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases