To continuously improve our sustainability performance over quality control, environmental management, as well as occupational health and safety aspects, we have implemented an Integrated Management System (IMS) for internal operation in accordance with ISO 9001 Quality Management System, ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System international standards.
Following the "Plan-Do-Check-Act" principle, we conduct risk assessment for the Department and major projects to identify potential risks involved and apply necessary preventive and mitigation measures to control the risks within an acceptable level.
Strategic Planning
In the pursuit of sustainable development, we launched a 5-year Implementation Plan for the period of 2011-2015. The Plan includes a group of initiatives that are deemed important for our mid to long term development:
- Enhance staff health and safety for boosting staff morale;
- Enhance departmental image by showcasing successful projects and extending outreaching educational programme;
- Review on workflow and enhance the efficiency of daily operation;
- Establish a "Total Asset Management" plan to optimise the long term utilisation of the DSD's facilities;
- Strengthen linkage with external stakeholders; and
- Enhance efficient use of energy and reduce carbon and odour emissions.
By the end of May 2013, we had completed almost half of the 90 detailed tasks under those initiatives laid down in the Implementation Plan, while working on the rest.
Participation in Local Associations and Committees
As a direct way to demonstrate our commitment to the community, our senior management members take part actively in a number of local professional/ trade associations and committees. Through various roles, they contribute their professional advices and share practical experience with the public, promoting good practices among the industries and facilitating new policy development. Examples are as follow:
- Steering Committee on Greening, Landscape and Tree Management
- Consulting Engineers' Committee
- Building Contractors Committee
- International Water Association Regional Committee of Hong Kong, China (IWAHK)
- Public Works Sub-Committee
- Standing Committee for the Training of Civil Engineering Graduates and Assistant Engineers
- Works Policies Coordination Committee (WPCC)
Human Rights
Observing the government's policies on staff employment and human rights, we strictly prohibit child labour and forced labour. We are also compliant with the guidelines given by the Development Bureau, such as the provision of safety training for our staff, as well as consultants and contractors who are engaged in DSD's construction and maintenance work contracts. In order to obtain feedback from staff, we have provided a number of channels such as Departmental Consultative Committees and Discussion Groups for them to reach relevant authorities directly when necessary. The key objective of establishing these internal communication channels is to achieve better understanding and cooperation between management and staff through regular discussions on matters affecting the well-being of our staff. On the other hand, designated officers specialising in labour relations are assigned to help solve conflicts between contractors and workers for projects with a significant impact.
Integrity
We have provided training to staff members and requested them to follow the "Prevention of Bribery Ordinance" and the guidelines set by the government to maintain a high level of ethical code of conduct. Suspected cases, if any, will be reported to the Independent Commission Against Corruption for investigation. During the reporting period, there have not been any reported cases in relation to bribery or corruption.
