THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION LIMITED BUSINESS PLAN OF BUILDING COMMITTEE YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013

Transcription

1 THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION LIMITED BUSINESS PLAN OF BUILDING COMMITTEE YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 Objective 1 : Unify the membership ACTION PLAN ACTIVITY TIMING RESPONSIBILITY / RESOURCES (1) Survey BC Members for Monthly BC Meeting BC Members Topics of Discussion (2) Membership Drive (3) Publish BC s achievement yearly Regular Lunch Meeting with Potential Member/ Non Active Member Year End Panel Of BC Executives Secretariat Office / Consultant MEASURES AND MONITORING Discussion Topics were collected from members through various channels, such as BC / Working Group / Task Force Meetings etc. 4 Vice-Chairman were elected to handle issues relating to BD, ArchSD, HA and Strategic separately. Maintenance Sub-Committees, Sub- Groups & Working Groups were also form to address relevant members concerns. BC Executives have actively participated in the HKCA Events; Seminars; Gatherings and Lunch Meetings with Potential Members/Non Active Members. Achievements will be published at the end of each year. Page 1 of 14

2 THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION LIMITED BUSINESS PLAN OF BUILDING COMMITTEE YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 Objective 2 : Improve sub-contracting system including information sharing of subcontractors works ACTION PLAN ACTIVITY TIMING RESPONSIBILITY / RESOURCES (1) Encourage Member to On-going BC Members use registered /Secretariat Office subcontractor only MEASURES AND MONITORING HKCA Members uses only registered subcontractors for public works. For private works contracts, members have voluntary to use registered subcontractors. (2) Establish outstanding subcontractors/workers list On-going BC Members Information was exchanged by members informally. Page 2 of 14

3 THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION LIMITED BUSINESS PLAN OF BUILDING COMMITTEE YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 Objective 3 : Influence Government Procurement System ACTION PLAN ACTIVITY TIMING RESPONSIBILITY / RESOURCES (1) Identify problem and Monthly BC Meeting / BC Members / meet relevant Regular Meeting With Government Respective Working government Departments Group departments to identify possible solution. MEASURES AND MONITORING Regular Meetings with varies government departments and public bodies such as DEVB, BD, ArchSD and HA, etc. have provided favour results. Examples were: - 1. Success in lobbying the DEVB: a) To review and increase the Tender Limit for Group A, B & Probationary C Contractors, b) To give 12 months grace period for Contractors to meet the revised financial criteria associated with the increased Tender Limit for each category Contractors, c) To establish a Joint WG with concerned parties to resolve long outstanding payment from Sub-vented school projects with encouraging progress, Page 3 of 14

4 THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION LIMITED BUSINESS PLAN OF BUILDING COMMITTEE YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 d) To continue review and revise the Special Conditions of Contract (SCC) to streamline the administration of the contract provisions for MPF reimbursement scheme. e) To review and amend the measures to enhance the ethical commitment of Subcontractors in public works, f) To provide more balance works opportunities for different category of Contractors 2. Success in lobbying HA: a) To amend the preliminary clauses for items such as temporary greening on site; solar water heater; food waste composter and health care plan, etc. to accommodate actual site constraints, b) To reduce the warranty for Epoxy Coated Cast Iron Piping System from 10 Yrs to 5 Yrs, c) To continue review the Page 4 of 14

5 THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION LIMITED BUSINESS PLAN OF BUILDING COMMITTEE YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 existing Workers Wages Monitoring system to suit different site practice facing by New Works and Maintenance Works Contractors, d) To establish Joint WG to review administrative procedures to shorten overall construction period for projects, e) To continue review the current specifications to suit latest industrial practices, f) To continue the measures to assist Contractors cash flow (New Works and Maintenance Works) prior to Chinese New Year. 3. For HA Maintenance Works Contracts, success in lobbying HA to (i) include liquid dispenser, S.S. Braille signs and minor maintenance worker as new SOR items; (ii) provide special payment to contractors to ease difficulties caused by ERP problems. 4. Success in lobbying CIC to issue Procurement Alert to Page 5 of 14

6 THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION LIMITED BUSINESS PLAN OF BUILDING COMMITTEE YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 encourage industry stakeholders to adopt fair procurement system. 5. Specifications review with ArchSD & HA. 6. PASS / MASS revamp with HA. 7. Continue review the ERP System of HD(EMD) (2) Industrial enhancement by reviewing existing statutory requirements and industrial practices. Monthly BC Meeting / Regular Meeting With Government Departments; Professional Institutions and Relevant Construction Associations BC Members /Respective Working Group BC has: - 1. Actively participate in CIC Task Forces / Working Groups in preparing industrial good practices / guidelines to ensure its practicality. (e.g. Task Force on Standard Contract Provisions for Domestic Subcontracts) 2. Regular meeting with DEVB to review the:- (i) Long outstanding payment from Subvented projects, (ii) Proposal for revised Tender Limits and Financial Criteria of different category Contractors, (iii) Proposal to enhance the current Contract Price Fluctuation System, Page 6 of 14

7 THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION LIMITED BUSINESS PLAN OF BUILDING COMMITTEE YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii) (ix) Proposal to increase the frequency of Safety Audits for Contracts over HK$1 Billion, Proposed measures to enhance the Ethical Commitment of Sub- Contractors in Public Works, Proposed Procurement Approach to Enhance Price Proposal Assessment Mechanism for Public Works Tenders Consultation Paper Contractor Cooperative Training Scheme (CCTS) Provisions Wages Monitoring System, Contractor Management System. 3. Meetings with HA to:- (i) (ii) Review / update the Pay For Safety / Environment System, Review proposal to Streamline Administrative Page 7 of 14

8 THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION LIMITED BUSINESS PLAN OF BUILDING COMMITTEE YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 Procedures in projects, (iii) Consider adopting Jump Lift for projects (iv) Review the current method of payment of Preliminaries to MC, (v) Continue review of Specification Library, (vi) Review impractical works specifications & acceptance criteria, (vii) Comprehensive review and update the current Schedule of Rate for DTCs, (viii) Follow up outstanding payments for Maintenance Contractors caused by the ERP System. 4. Meetings with ArchSD to:- (i) Review / update the DRAd list, (ii) Exchange update market cost information, (iii) Review / update the Schedule of Rates for Term Contract 2013 Edition, Page 8 of 14

9 THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION LIMITED BUSINESS PLAN OF BUILDING COMMITTEE YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 (iv) (v) (vi) Review of Design and Construction Practices for ArchSD projects to cope with labour shortage, Study possible reuse of used structural steel & timber on site, Clarify the usage of Reporting of Construction Workers Wages. 5. Meeting with HKFEMC and various Trade Associations for a better working environment for the Construction Industry. 6. Written to Semi-Government Bodies and Client Bodies/Organizations voicing out concerns on Unfair Contract Terms / Conditions. (e.g. H.K. Playground Association, URA, The Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden Corp, St. James Settlement & Goldin Properties Holdings Ltd, etc. 7. Commissioned CSR Asia to proceed with the Stakeholder Engagement and Materiality Assessment. Page 9 of 14

10 THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION LIMITED BUSINESS PLAN OF BUILDING COMMITTEE YEAR END REVIEW FOR Commissioned H.K. University s Prof Steve Rowlinson to conduct research study for Benchmarking Comparison of Construction Cost (3) Industrial Visits Yearly BC Members / Respective Working Group Pending for suitable destination. Page 10 of 14

11 THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION LIMITED BUSINESS PLAN OF BUILDING COMMITTEE YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 Objective 4 : Building Committee Tasks ACTION PLAN ACTIVITY TIMING RESPONSIBILITY / RESOURCES (1) To pursue for more On-going BC Members / reasonable government Respective Working regulation. Group MEASURES AND MONITORING Members concerns / suggestions were raised to different government departments through regular meetings and correspondences. Examples were: - 1. To review and update contract provisions/requirements 2. To promote the Security Of Payment, 3. To raise concerns on proposed HA contract requirements such as Caring Programme for New Workers, Updated Plumbing Specifications, Specifications for Pumped Concrete, Specification on Protection of Workers from Protruded Reinforcement Bars and DRAd Tender Assessment Practice, etc, 4. To raise concerns on unfair trading / contract conditions imposed by Client Bodies/Organizations, 5. To streamline the Page 11 of 14

12 THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION LIMITED BUSINESS PLAN OF BUILDING COMMITTEE YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 administration procedures for (i) the MPF reimbursement scheme and (ii) the Contractor Cooperative Training Scheme (CCTS), 6. Possible enhancement measures to improve construction process by streamline current administration procedures. (2) To persuade government to adopt better tender award system and consistent levels of spending on small / medium / large size projects On-going BC Members / Respective Working Group BC has: - 1. Meeting with DEVB, ArchSD to raise concerns on proposals regarding Design & Build Contract Procurement System including pre qualification requirements. 2. Written to HA to raise concerns on (i) List Management Fee Requirement, (ii) Works Opportunity for NW1 Contractors, (iii) Unfair Tendering Practice, (iv) the adverse effect caused by the shortage of labour in the industry etc. 3. Provide comment on HA s: - Page 12 of 14

13 THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION LIMITED BUSINESS PLAN OF BUILDING COMMITTEE YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 (i) (ii) (iii) Proposed Warranty for Epoxy Coated Cast Iron Piping System, Proposed Initiatives to Expedite Construction, Proposed Jump Lift Provisions. (3) Review Pay For Safety / Environmental Scheme for public works contracts On-going BC Members / EC / H&SC Members Respective Working Group Members from BC and H&SC has met DEVB and HA on separate meetings to review the existing system to enhance its effectiveness on encouraging site safety. (4) To persuade CIC to condemn Unfair Contracts Conditions from Client Bodies On-going BC Members Actively participate with the CIC Special Group on Unfair Terms and Contracts (5) Macau Sub-group On-going BC Members/ Respective Working Group Meetings will be held upon requested (6) Promote Corporate Social Responsibility to uplift industrial image On-going BC Members BC Members have actively participated in events relating to public safety, environmental and social events to uplift industrial image. Examples were:- 1. Quality Building Award 2. Quality Public Housing Page 13 of 14

14 THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION LIMITED BUSINESS PLAN OF BUILDING COMMITTEE YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 Construction and Maintenance Award, 3. Safety / Environmental Awards, etc. (7) To persuade HA to review the PASS system On-going BC Members/ Respective Working Group Regular meeting with HA to review the current PASS / MASS requirements (8) Adoption of Innovative Construction Technologies On-going BC Members/ Respective Working Group Experience sharing seminar was held for members. Page 14 of 14

15 BUSINESS PLAN OF CIVIL ENGINEERING COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 Objective : to forester a safe, harmonious and sustainable industry environment for CEC Members to flourish and excel in their chosen areas of specializations. ACTION PLAN ACTIVITY SCHEDULE RESPONSIBILITY MEASURES AND MONITORING 1) Follow up previous actions taken, and keep the following items on the agenda: a) To persuade DEVB, MTR, AA & Clients to adopt more equitable Allocation of Risk On-going CEC continued regular dialogues with DeveB, Works Departments and quasi government organizations via meeting, forums, presentations, briefings, and correspondences on matters regarding the industry, upcoming projects / tenders, technical and contractual issues,..etc. The following tendering / technical presentations had been arranged for CEC Members: Completed CEC Members HKCA Members confronted DevB in the briefing on the proposal for Revised Tender Limits and Financial Criteria and on behalf of HKCA, CEC Chairman Russell Jones had written to DevB in January 2013 to draw their attention on the consequences of the realignment of the proposal. Members were not convinced in using the Building Work Tender Price Index (BWTPI) for assessing the tender limits on Civil Engineering Projects. DevB had been requested to furnish a corresponding tender index Civil Projects and direct comparison of standard rates for concrete, formwork and steel fixing. The proposal was subsequently amended and after extensive negotiations, HKCA finally accepted the amended proposal in November The Council Meeting held on 11 June 2013 requested the Chairman to write to DevB to express objection to allow non- List of Approved Contractors to tender for Public Work and also restrained GCT 22 conditions to a single category of public work. An objection letter was issued in June Page 1 of 12

16 BUSINESS PLAN OF CIVIL ENGINEERING COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 ACTION PLAN ACTIVITY SCHEDULE RESPONSIBILITY b) To persuade MTR, AA & Clients to adopt a more balance Tendering Assessment System on Quality / Sustainability / Price MEASURES AND MONITORING In August, a special CEC meeting was convened to address the Extension of Time Contract Clauses due to Shortage of Labour for the Hong Kong Airport Authority and MTR works. CEC Members agreed to pursue the Airport Authority and MTRC to recognize and accept the industry-wide problems on Shortage of Labour experienced by Hong Kong. CEC Executives met Mr Kevin Poole Deputy Director of Projects and other Senior Project Staff of the Airport Authority to address the EOT contract clauses. The meeting concluded that the Airport Authority would continue to monitor the labour shortage issue and maintain dialogues with CEC especially near rolling out of major Airport Projects. CEC had written to the Development Bureau in October to offer Members expertise to advise on ways to avoid rolling out of Mega Size Public Works. Completed CEC Members A letter detailing both BC and CEC Members concerns on the Consultation Papers (A) Procurement Measures to Reduce Labour Demand and (B) Marking Schemes for Tender and Prequalification was forwarded to DevB at the end of January Concerning the unfairly withdrew of the tender for Liantang / Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Contract 1, an objection letter was issued to CEDD in Feb Mr. Hon Director of CEDD had written an extensive reply letter to argue the case that was in the public interest and straightly follows the government tender rules and regulations. CEC has responded to express their disagreement with the reasons put forward, but stated that the matter would rest as agreed to disagree, and wished CEDD would consider working on valueengineering solutions with tenderers in future when budgets are inadequate. Page 2 of 12

17 BUSINESS PLAN OF CIVIL ENGINEERING COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 ACTION PLAN ACTIVITY SCHEDULE RESPONSIBILITY MEASURES AND MONITORING Enhancing the Contract Price Fluctuation System: Members in principle agreed to the enhancement proposed by DevB but had suggested to adopt a negotiation strategy starting from 0% on the Reviewing the 15% for Costs not Subject to Fluctuation Adjustment. The Proposed Procurement Approach to Enhance Price Proposal Assessment Mechanism for Public Works Tenders Consultation Paper was considered over-complicated and CEC Members agreed to object the enhancement proposal. The current 60:40 tender assessment should remain unchanged. As requested by the Council Meeting held on 10 Dec 2013, a letter had been issued to the Highways Department to request for clarification on un-clear allocation of risk for the Tenderers of Highways Contract HY/2013/02 - Hong Kong Zhuhai - Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities - Infrastructure Works Stage I (Western Portion). Subsequently at the end of Dec. 2013, the Engineer AECOM issued a tender addendum that provided additional information on the predicated ground settlement for the reclaimed land and other reference documentations. The Highways Department further suggested to meet CEC Members to address any additional concerns on the tender conditions. On 26 February 2013, Mr J. Saunders Project Manager SCL Civil and Mr Scott Mackenzie Procurement & Contracts Manager Hong Kong Projects (Civil) briefed CEC Members on the future construction work program of the Shatin - Central Link, North-South Line (NSL) section including the Cross Harbour Tunnel and the alignment on Hong Kong Island. Page 3 of 12

18 BUSINESS PLAN OF CIVIL ENGINEERING COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 ACTION PLAN ACTIVITY SCHEDULE RESPONSIBILITY MEASURES AND MONITORING Tenders of works were expected by the end of the year and the whole project was expected to complete by Suggestions by CEC Members at the Phase 2 of the Shatin Central Link Construction Work Briefing were adopted by MTR and these included: i) Mandatory use of Shek O as a casting basin for the Immersed Tube units, ii) Allow tenders to specify the number of TBMs for lowest risk solution, On 27 August, well over 60 CEC Members attended the MTR Shatin to Central Link (SCL), North South Line (NSL) Industrial Briefing for the procurement of the 9 SCL-NSL contracts with 1125 Contract EOI commenced on the 2 nd Quarter 2013 and the SCL projects were expected to complete by c) To achieve an equitable DEVB / Clients Contractors Performance Reporting System Completed CEC Members Review of Insurance Procurement for Government Works Contracts - meeting with representatives of AON the Government Consultant, CEC Members confronted AON representatives with the following issues: a) Staff of the Works Departments adopted a copycat approach in approving and accepting insurance documents. Engineer only approved documents that were word-by-word identical with the tender specimen. Some participants complained on their failure attempts to correct grammar of the tender specimen that were developed a few decades ago. In general Engineers did not fully understand the principle of insurance. Page 4 of 12

19 BUSINESS PLAN OF CIVIL ENGINEERING COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 ACTION PLAN ACTIVITY SCHEDULE RESPONSIBILITY MEASURES AND MONITORING Page 5 of 12 b) Brokers imposing European Conditions and Policies that could not be enforceable in Hong Kong. c) Owner Control, similar to the MTR procurement practice was preference. A meeting had been arranged for SME Contractors to discuss their concerns with AON, the government consultant of insurance procurement of public works. It was noted that premiums for contracts with small value of sum were unjustifiably high, in certain projects of contract value $100,000 the required insurance premium of $10,000 (CAR and EC). SMEs were also faced with seasonal difficulties in securing insurance policies. It is believed that insurance companies adjust their exposure based on their seasonal commercial status. Some of the clauses in the Draft New Edition of General Conditions of Contract for Civil Engineering Works were considered to be unfair to contractors and a further shift of risk away from the employer. A respond letter has been forward to DevB to express Members objections. DevB briefed both BC and CEC representatives on Review of the Schedule of Proportion under Contract Fluctuation System. The Committee representatives were encouraged with the proposal that provided an addition alternative to tenderers in controlling the project risks. DevB representatives agreed to amend the proposal based on our comments and the amended paper would be distributed to all Committees for further comments.

20 BUSINESS PLAN OF CIVIL ENGINEERING COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 ACTION PLAN ACTIVITY SCHEDULE RESPONSIBILITY 2) Public Engagement Campaign MEASURES AND MONITORING DevB proposed to increase the frequency of safety audits for public works over 10 billion contract sum from 6 months interval to every 3 months. A number of CEC Members voiced their concerns on the impacts of increase tender cost, increase administrative burden and delay of project completions. CEC Members recommended to resist on the proposal. The GEO Study Team on Identification of New Quarries in Hong Kong Feasibility Study met with CEC Representative to discuss technical and operational issues. The Study Team further solicited CEC Members input to the questionnaire on Mainland Quarries and requested comments on the Tender Evaluation Screening Method for Quarry Operation. a) Visionary Transport Infrastructure for HK 2030 Completed Russell Jones Despite the CEC s efforts in promoting the new transportation initiatives as indicated in ViTran 2030 Study, the Phase 1 of Our Future Railway Public Consultation had not been alternating in their approach for adopting the flexible transportation projects to facilitate economic growth of HK. Dr Hung WT the consultant for ViTran 2030 study had prepared a submission to Phase 2 of Our Future Railway Public Consultation. The response is critical of the brief, which simply reviewed the engineering detail of the RDO study completed at the start of the century. The need for new railways was not considered, including those proposed in the ViTran 2030 Study. The response is also critical of the lack of any integrated transport planning incorporating the use of rail, Page 6 of 12

21 BUSINESS PLAN OF CIVIL ENGINEERING COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 ACTION PLAN ACTIVITY SCHEDULE RESPONSIBILITY Page 7 of 12 MEASURES AND MONITORING road, trams, public transport, cycles and pedestrians. The submission based on the Vitran 2030 Study had been filed to the Transport and Housing Bureau on the Second Stage of Our Future Railway Consultation. The Bureau was urged to formulate a holistic transport policy that would result in better air quality, less traffic congestion and keeping pace with future social and economic development or Hong Kong. In progress CEC Executives Update on the Vision of Transportation Study 2030 : Vicechairman Simon Liu and Hon Treasurer Franky Ha had met to address the challenge in updating the Visionary Transport Infrastructure Study The meeting concluded with the following objectives for the update study: a. To promote / initiate ideas for long term civil engineering project opportunities for HKCA Members, b. To support the Government s development strategies and public policies such as air quality, Completed Russell Jones Mr Russell Jones, CEC Chairman had 4 luncheon meeting with Hon. Mr Gary CHAN, Hon. Frederick Fung, Hon C.W. Wu and Dr Raymond Ho to promote the ViTran 2030 Study. All 3 legislators and Chairman of AES applauded CEC efforts in producing the quality report and had agreed to support the holistic transport policy approach recommended by the study. Based on the luncheon discussion by the Chairman to promote the Vitran 2030 Study, Hon Gary Chan had requested the LegCo Panel on Environmental Affairs to address the Green Transportation Infrastructure for Hong Kong. The Panel had tentatively schedule in March 2014 to deliberate the issue that was part of the eco-initiative proposed by the Visionary Transport Infrastructure Study To assist Hon. Chan, a

22 BUSINESS PLAN OF CIVIL ENGINEERING COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 ACTION PLAN ACTIVITY SCHEDULE RESPONSIBILITY MEASURES AND MONITORING summary of the green transportation Initiatives based on the Vitran Study 2030 had been forwarded to the Office of Hon Chan. b) The Hong Kong s Construction Industry Vision 2020 c) MTR CEC Safety Initiatives for Tunnel Works driving safety initiative together with clients to ensure construction areas becomes a safer place for work, Completed Russell Jones Mr Russell Jones had been promoting the CIV 2020 to the CIC Committee on Procurement in Dec 2012 and to the Committee of Subcontracting eon 8 Jan Mr T.C. Chu, CIC Chairman of the Committee on Procurement would recommend to CIC in adopting some of the initiatives for the industry. In progress Task Force Mr. T.C. Chew, Project Director of MTR laid down the challenge recently for combating the increase of accident rates experienced by the Hong Kong Construction Industry in the past few years. The task Force met in early Feb 2013 and concluded to explore on the following areas for efficiency enhancement and improvement on safety; i Mutual recognized corporate safety induction program, ii Safety Passport construction industry, iii MTR Pay for Safety Scheme, iv CICTA Silver Card Course Safety Training Course for Tunnel Workers, The Worker Union and MTR had appointed representatives to the Task Force and a draft Safety Passport Procedure had been produced. d) Others Completed CEC Members CEC Members present unanimously supported signing of the Safety Charter on Prohibiting Working Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs that was carried out on September Page 8 of 12

23 BUSINESS PLAN OF CIVIL ENGINEERING COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 ACTION PLAN ACTIVITY SCHEDULE RESPONSIBILITY 3. Client Contractor Partnership Program a) Informal engagement with Works Departments / clients to address concerns of both parties. MEASURES AND MONITORING Members agreed to support the Stage 2 Public Engagement on Tung Chung New Town Extension Study and a submission would be drafted base on the findings from the Vitran 2030 Study, HKCA views on the Airport Development and Enhancing land supply strategy. A submission in July had been forwarded to CEDD on the Tung Chung New Town Extension Study voicing CEC s support in developing Tung Chung into a new tourism and MICE Hub for PDR with retail and commercial facilities. Completed SY Yu On 1 June 2013, Mr SY Yu Vice Chairman of CEC attended the Panel of Development special meeting to receive public views on Enhancing land supply strategy. Mr Yu addressed the Panel for supporting the Government initiatives in achieving a sustainable reclamation program to ensure a continual supply of land for new towns development. The reclamation work in principle would provide opportunities for workers in the fishing industry to work on engineering boats for reclamation works. On-going CEC Members On 7 August, CEC Members had a partnership luncheon with the Airport Authority delegates that were led by Mr John Chai, Executive Director Projects and Mr Kevin Poole Deputy Director of Projects. The luncheon had yield a number of fruitful agenda including early contractor involvement in Design & Construction and Procurement for major Airport Projects including the 3 rd Runway. Page 9 of 12

24 BUSINESS PLAN OF CIVIL ENGINEERING COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 ACTION PLAN ACTIVITY SCHEDULE RESPONSIBILITY MEASURES AND MONITORING At the first bi-annual MTR CEC dinner held on 15 January 2013, Mr T.C. Chew laid down the challenge for CEC Members to forge safety initiatives jointly with MTR. Mr. S.Y. Yu Vicechairman of CEC had agreed to take up the challenge by chairing the Task Force. Members of the Task Force would also include Mr Brain Gillon and Mr Declan McGeeney. Mr Joseph Choi further suggested contractors with MTR Contracts should assign suitable candidates to join the Task Force. At the second bi-annual MTR CEC dinner held on 10 September, Mr T.C. Chew, Projects Director of MTR expressed deep concerns over the number of MTR safety incidents despite huge resources that had been incurred on safety prevention and promotion. To address the concerns, an additional MTR CEC dinner would be scheduled on 10 December with speakers from the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union and the Association for the Right of Industrial Accident Victims. At the Civil Engineering and Development Department partnership luncheon held on Oct. 2014, Mr C K HON, Director of Civil Engineering and Development indicated that: a. CEDD would consider ways to reduce the contract size of civil engineering projects under planning but contracts such as tunnel projects were unsuitable to divide into smaller packages. Mr Hon further stated that CEDD would consult Members for early contractor involvements in future projects. Page 10 of 12

25 BUSINESS PLAN OF CIVIL ENGINEERING COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 ACTION PLAN ACTIVITY SCHEDULE RESPONSIBILITY MEASURES AND MONITORING b. Safety was main concern for public works and he requested Members to pay more attention in implementing safety measures. c. CEDD would attempt to identify more tenders for NEC contracts, d. The Government would continue to roll-out Public Works investments in the range of 70 billion per annual over the next few years. New towns development would be the next phase of CEDD projects. At the Drainage Service Department partnership luncheon held on 27 November, Mr CC Chan, Director of DSD indicated that overcoming the shortage of trade skill workers would be the challenge for the industry and he welcomed suggestions for mechanizations and advance in construction methodologies for reducing manpower requirements. DSD was fully committed to adopt NEC for future DSD tender works. A MTR CEC Special Partnership Dinner was successfully completed on 10 Dec Mr Chow Luen Kiu of the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union (HKCIEG) and Mr Chan Kim Hong of the Association for the Right of Industry Accident Victims were invited to discuss safety related issues at construction sites. Both Mr Chow and Mr Chan agreed that the challenge ahead was to educate workers to avoid taking risk and work safely. Mr Chow also suggested that HKCIEG would provide counseling services to workers who had repeatedly violated safety rules. Page 11 of 12

26 BUSINESS PLAN OF CIVIL ENGINEERING COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 ACTION PLAN ACTIVITY SCHEDULE RESPONSIBILITY MEASURES AND MONITORING Completed CEC Members At the informal discussion on DSD Drainage Maintenance Term Contracts (DMTC) held on 16 April, CEC Members voiced their concerns of the current DMTC tendering practice. CEC Members had also agreed to review and provide updates to DSD related to the DMTC contract conditions and items in the SOR. Completed CEC Members The MTR Asset Replacement Program briefing was held on 27 November, Mr Jason Wong Project Manager advised members on the maintenance programs for MTR Stations and track works with estimated annual expenditure of HKD 2 to 3 billion per annual in the coming years. Page 12 of 12

27 BUSINESS PLAN OF PILING CONTRACTORS COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 Objective 1: To pursue bettering business environment and level playing field in the piling industry 1.1 Maintain close and good working relationship with the appropriate authorities and stakeholders to push for stable and sustainable piling workload, enhance procurement system, streamline procedures and working conditions Building Department (BD) On-going action PCC Meeting and dialogue with BD to exchange views/opinions on issues including the following: Rebar fixing for pile cap with embedment of H pile Frequency for testing welded joints in steel H-pile Temperature effects on temporary steel platform Requirements on record of excavation of pile shaft Detail of sleeving for large dia. bored piles and socketed H piles Reaction piles for static loading test used Temporary steel platform used for construction of foundations, basement or ELS Consent requirement for pumping test Mr Fred Koo Besides the meeting on , BD considered that it was not necessary to continue the informal BD-PCC meeting. In consideration of the meeting being a much useful Page 1 of 8

28 BUSINESS PLAN OF PILING CONTRACTORS COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 opportunity to exchange views and share experiences on all matters affecting piling industry, PCC has been pursuing to resume the meeting with BD in the near future. Mr Fred Koo Upon PCC request, BD reaffirmed their prompt site inspections (within 2 weeks) for witnessing foundation works to ensure that the construction programmes would not be adversely affected. Mr David Chiu PCC has representative sitting on the Technical Committee on the Code of Practice for Foundation to help advocate our priorities and interest: Promulgation of the new code was pulled because a new chairman was delegated by BD and was taking time to revisit the proposed new code The Technical Committee meeting was last held on and the 5 th draft of the foundation code was continued reviewed Mr K W Lai Page 2 of 8 PCC has representative sitting on the Technical Committee on the Code of Practice for Site Supervision to help advocate our priorities and interest:

29 BUSINESS PLAN OF PILING CONTRACTORS COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 Upon request, BD accepted one representative from PCC to join the committee Views and comments about the methodology to determine the cost fluctuation factor, particularly for steel H-piling works, etc. were provided to BD Housing Department (HD) PCC The regular HD-PCC Liaison meetings were held on , and respectively and touched upon the following: Aged piling plant and safety Review of contract period for foundation contract and measures to shorten the construction period Manpower resource problem encountered by piling contractors Off-site mechanized fabrication of reinforcement steel cages Two-stage hoarding construction Price fluctuation for contracts with non-standard contract period. Combined piling and building contract Enhanced supervision requirements Exploration on the use of shaft grouted bored piles Page 3 of 8

30 BUSINESS PLAN OF PILING CONTRACTORS COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 Contractual arrangement of basement construction Forthcoming contracts to be let by HA PCC PCC met with HD Deputy Director on to discuss about time saving on a number of initiatives to expedite construction for piling contracts: PCC had an initial view over those initiatives that they were not able to expedite construction but rather streamline some standard procedures to save everybody effort in certain areas In response, PCC offered suggestions to streamlining the design and construction progress of foundation works for consideration and discussion with HD. Formal discussion of the suggestions between PCC and HD was underway PCC PCC participated the HD Workshop on Tenders Due for Issues in 2014 which was chaired by HD Deputy Director on At the meeting HD introduced the piling contracts to be put out to tender in 2014, and among those there were two combined piling and superstructure tenders. Page 4 of 8

31 BUSINESS PLAN OF PILING CONTRACTORS COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 PCC strongly objected and provided view that the combined contract would not help to shorten the overall construction period. PCC also viewed that pulling out piling contractors from the tendering exercise would not only affect piling contractors, but would also affect the winning chance of builders with no foundation arm. PCC Collaborated with HD on the enhancement of overhaul maintenance of piling plant and gave assistance to: Estimate the cost of exercising overhaul control on piling plant Comment on the translation of the agreed overhaul inspection checklists for piling plant Review and comment on the draft specification of the inspection and certification of overhaul of major construction plant PCC Provided initial views and input to HD for devising a more realistic programme for the forthcoming piling tenders: Meeting on and for the Fanling Area 49 public rental housing development Meeting on for the HOS project near Kai Tak area Page 5 of 8

32 BUSINESS PLAN OF PILING CONTRACTORS COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 PCC In the course of time, PCC also submitted views/comments to HD on the following: Draft of the new and revised preliminary clauses on new initiatives Proposal of Workers life insurance scheme Caring programme for new workers (P & N labels) New requirement in specification for backfilling of marine mud Draft piling specification on set chair for final set of piles Consultation on transportation problem for piling sites at Lantau Draft revised preliminary clauses for streamlining procedures for piling contract - ELS New initiatives (incl. the health care plan for workers) for implementation on site Implement ISO50001 on HA listed piling contractors with 2 years grace period Draft specification on equipment for Construction Mobile Inspection System (CMIS) Implementation of ISO on HA listed piling contractors Page 6 of 8

33 BUSINESS PLAN OF PILING CONTRACTORS COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 (with 2 years grace period) Revised WTO CPA: review of procurement rules and regulations Draft specification on protection of workers from protruded reinforcement bars no adverse comment Draft specification on health care plan Revised performance assessment for DRAd assessment Development Bureau (DevB) Mr Fred Koo / Mr Tom Lee PCC Chairman and Vice-Chairman met with DevB on to exchange our views on the proposed requirement to use non-road mobile machinery NRMM in public works contract. Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) PCC The regular PCC-ArchSD liaison meeting was held on and discussed about waiting time for driving/testing after welding of H pile, key features of the new foundation code, NEC contract, manpower resources and some safety aspects of piling contracts. The meeting also agreed to include piling safety in the agenda of the forthcoming meetings. Page 7 of 8

34 BUSINESS PLAN OF PILING CONTRACTORS COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 Objective 2: To promote good practice in piled foundation works 2.1 Exchange experience and knowledge with counterparts in major cities in Asia 2.2 Agree on focus of experience / knowledge sharing Annually New impetus will be given in 2014 Ongoing action PCC PCC attended the briefing session of the E-data Transfer Application in Public Housing Piling Projects organized by HD on PCC viewed that the E-data transfer system should be developed and owned by HA if such improvement initiative proved successful. PCC PCC PCC supported to review the HKCA Schedules for Plant used in Dayworks with updating new plant and equipment not readily used or available before 2008, and joined the working group to provide input for the development. The updated document was later launched in July PCC joined the site demonstration for the application of the remote measurement method (using Pile Driving Monitor PDM) for driven steel H-pile final set in the San Po Kong project on PCC viewed that for that moment of time it was inadvisable to have 100% full scale in using the PDM in lieu of traditional manual method (set graphs) for the final set measurement. Page 8 of 8

35 BUSINESS PLAN OF SITE INVESTIGATION CONTRACTORS COMMITTEE ( ) YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 Objective 1: To pursue bettering business environment and level playing field in the GI industry 1.1 Maintain close and good working relationship with the appropriate authorities and stakeholders to push for stable and sustainable GI workload, enhance procurement system, streamline procedures and working conditions On-going action Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) SICC The regular GEO-PCC Liaison meetings were held on and respectively and touched upon the following: HKHA and ArchSD s GI term contracts Trade testing of drillers Shortage of drillers Study on temporary fir log scaffolding platform design Training for site agent Correlation between GI workload and minimum requirements on plant equipment and personnel under the GIFW category Forecast tenders for the coming months for Group I & II SI GEO s contractors. Page 1 of 5

36 BUSINESS PLAN OF SITE INVESTIGATION CONTRACTORS COMMITTEE ( ) YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 Housing Department (HD) SICC Meeting with HD on and discussed about tender arrangement and requirements for the ground investigation and laboratory testing works tenders. Two envelops system was used in these tenders. Building Department (BD) SICC SICC concerned about the termination criterion used in GI for foundation design as required by the new Foundation Code, which was found a bit confused with the current Geoguide. BD later clarified at a working group meeting on that there would be no change in the logging requirement in the new Code as per Geoguide. They also agreed to hold internal briefing session to their engineers to explain the new Code requirements in particular the interpretation of founding rock. Construction Workers Registration Authority (CWRA) SICC SICC viewed that the 5-year re-test requirement for re-validation of GI operator/driller/borer should be revoked and that trade test certificate should be lifelong. Nevertheless the current renewal requirement of registration Page 2 of 5

37 BUSINESS PLAN OF SITE INVESTIGATION CONTRACTORS COMMITTEE ( ) YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 for every 5 year under CWRO should be maintained in order to help in tracking record of the number of active drillers available in the trade. The re-test requirement was revoked by CWRA subsequently. Water Supplies Department Mr Edward Cheng/ Mr James Lam / Mr MP Chan / Mr James Lui SICC met with WSD on and touched upon the following: WSD agreed that in view of the temporary nature and short duration of GI works, portable water meters would be allowed to be used for GI works with fixed sites to facilitate such GI activities. In order to save the administrative time and cost, WSD agreed that those contractors with approved portable meters for private GI works in hand would be allowed to apply for extension of the use of such portable meters to other private GI works if the works could be lined up. SICC shared the experience of applying portable meters for GI works at the Chek Lap Kok International Airport. Page 3 of 5

38 BUSINESS PLAN OF SITE INVESTIGATION CONTRACTORS COMMITTEE ( ) YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 Objective 2: To promote good practice in GI works 2.1 Review/upgrade the Driller s Manual Ongoing Mr Edward SICC determined to review and update the driller s manual and action Cheng and to develop a new good practice handbook to provide a 2.2 Develop Good Practice Handbook handy reference to frontline supervisory teams in managing site issues, including the safety aspects. A working group led by the SICC Chairman will be formed to spearhead the project. 2.3 Standardize design of timber platform 2013 Mr Wing Chen The report was completed and a presentation was given to GEO in May HKCA Schedules for Plant used in Dayworks 2013 SICC SICC supported to review the plant schedule and met on to provide collective comments to the working group. The updated document was later launched in July Working Group in SPT Guidance Ongoing Mr Raymond Chan SICC has representative sitting in the working group to help advocating our priorities and interest and to establish and rationalize a SPT standard in the industry. Page 4 of 5

39 BUSINESS PLAN OF SITE INVESTIGATION CONTRACTORS COMMITTEE ( ) YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 Objective 3: To develop a succession plan for the GI industry 3.1 Liaise with CIC on various training Ongoing SICC SICC Panel members met with CIC on and courses for drillers and drilling labourers, and action discussed how to solve the manpower problem in the GI statistics for trade test certified drillers in the industry. Issues such as review of the current trade test GI market status for GI operator, joint effort in training of new drillers and driller assistants, registration process, etc. were discussed and will be further examined for the improvement of the industry. SICC SICC is underway a survey among members on the number of registered drillers employed by GI contractors. The result will be used for comparing with the statistic given by CIC. 3.2 Attraction plan for the youngsters to join the GI industry Ongoing action Secretariat Continued the HKCA SICC Scholarship for the academic year for HKU students. Page 5 of 5

40 BUSINESS PLAN OF HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 Objective 1: To pursue bettering our members safety performance and streamlining compliance of safety regulations and non-statutory requirements 1.1 Actively reflect our members views to Ongoing relevant Government Departments and action Officers on promulgation and/or enforcement of statutory regulations and requirements Labour Department (LD) HSC Submitted views for consideration of the following: Proposed certification requirement of fixed anchor devices for attachment of safety belt in connection with the erection, dismantling and alteration of truss-out bamboo scaffolds and the work on such type of scaffold, and the relevant monitoring system (December 2013). Proposed amendment of the green card training syllabus 強制性基本安全訓練( 建築工程 ) 完整課程 (January 2014). Secretariat Disseminate important safety message of LD to our members for particular attention: Enhance safety regarding work-at-height and working in hot weather in the construction industry (May 2013) Page 1 of 17

41 BUSINESS PLAN OF HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 Construction Industry Council (CIC) HSC Caring programme for new construction workers (May 2013) Stepping up measures to enhance work safety in the construction industry (September 2013) Submitted views for consideration of the following draft guidelines: Draft guidelines on site safety measures for working in hot weather (version 2) Drat guidelines on safety of lift shaft work (vol. 3) - throughout the occupation stage of building Secretariat Kept members timely posted on the newly issued guidelines and safety alerts of CIC. 1.2 Participate through the Construction Ongoing Mr Derrick Pang HSC Vice-Chairman sitting on the Committee on CSS to Industry Council Committee on Construction action help advocating HKCA s priorities and interest on any Site Safety to reflect views in industry issues recommended health and safety initiatives. and put forward suggestions Various members HKCA has representatives in the following active task force/groups under the Committee on CSS to share our views and put forward suggestions to enhance construction safety: Page 2 of 17

42 BUSINESS PLAN OF HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 Task force on site safety of working in lift shaft Task group on implementation of heat stress action plan Task group on preventing fall accidents through building design and Task Group on preventing fall accidents in existing buildings Page 3 of 17

43 BUSINESS PLAN OF HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR Maintain close and good working On-going Executives / relationship with the appropriate authorities action Council / HSC and stakeholders to push for better safety performance Labour Department (LD) Various meetings/dialogues with LD to exchange views/opinions on safety issues including the followings: Elimination of fall-from-height hazards Fatalities in 2013 Definition of Dangerous Occurrences Good practices for protecting starter bars Occupational Safety Officer of LD visiting workplace Confined space training for safety officer Promotion of Caring Programme of N & P workers Suspension Notice Development Bureau (DevB) Various meetings/dialogues with DevB to exchange views/opinions on safety issues including the following: Proposal to increase the frequency of safety audits for contracts over HK$1 billion Page 4 of 17

44 BUSINESS PLAN OF HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR 2013 Housing Department (HD) Various meetings/dialogues with HD to exchange views/opinions on the drat specification clauses including the following: Safety auditing system enhancement HASAS version 1.5 Health care plan Caring programme for new workers (P&N) Incorporating SSIP scores into system scores through adjustment of HASAS scores Revised specification clauses for reflective vest and accessories of safety helmet Revised accident report form DCMP-F787 & F724 Alert and warning trigger on account of accident rate Page 5 of 17

45 BUSINESS PLAN OF HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE ( ) - YEAR END REVIEW FOR Participation in various joint liaison On-going HSC HSC has representatives in various external safety related groups with the appropriate authorities and stakeholders action committees and forums etc. to share our points of view and put forward suggestions to enhance construction safety. 1.5 Disseminate important safety message to our members for particular attention On-going Secretariat Updated monthly record of fatality accident in construction industry and reported to Council. Sent Safety Reminders to all members for Ensuring safety in working at height operations (July 2013) Forestall high accident toll in constriction industry (September 2013) Objective 2: To sustain promotion of better health and safety standard in the construction industry 2.1 Set safety targets that our working Annually Council / Conducted accident statistic survey for 2012 in February environment would reach to the standards of global best practice HSC/Secretariat HKCA members averaged at 10/1000 accident rate and 1.63/1000 serious incident rate in Total no. of fatality as marked for our members sites was 9. Page 6 of 17