What do you think of industrial safety in the city?
The accident at the International Commerce Centre on Sunday has highlighted public concern over safety measures at these construction sites.
If there are inadequate safety measures at workplaces, this can have serious consequences. At best, it causes a minor injury. At worst, a fatality. Workers in Hong Kong do not seem aware of the need to take the proper precautions. It is common to see them from street level working at great height without belts or a safety net.
Even when they work with a safety belt, I have noticed that it is not hooked to anything. Workers are trained in safe workplace practices. They have to get a licence before being allowed to work on a construction site. They can also learn about safety on the job. But they appear unwilling to put theory into practice.
The government must upgrade its safety courses and teach construction workers the importance of observing the rules. They should then be assessed to find out their level of awareness.
Andrew Lo, Ngau Tau Kok