Workers asked to put the boot into construction injuries

Construction workers will receive $100 each if they buy safety boots with steel caps, soles and ankle protection, in a bid to cut the number of injuries on construction sites.

Last year, half the 18,000 site accidents were to feet.

The Construction Industry Training Authority will join forces with the Occupational and Safety Health Council, Hong Kong Construction Association and the Housing Authority to launch a programme from October 1, encouraging the use of safety shoes.

The Housing Authority will spend $800,000, sponsoring its 8,000 workers on public housing construction sites.

The programme is expected to benefit 30,000 of Hong Kong's 80,000 construction workers.

'Some private developers might not participate,' said Jason Wong Miu-chuen, senior consultant of the Occupational Safety and Health Council.

A choice of boots will be exhibited to workers at sites. They will cost between $200 and $300.

While younger workers were more aware of industrial safety, older colleagues complained the shoes were too heavy, said worker Wan Chi-fai, 32.