THE Government could back down from a proposal to charge engineers and architects over fatal accidents at building sites.
The Buildings Department is considering changing the proposed Building (Amendment) No 3 Bill, which is before the Legislative Council Bills Committee.
The bill was proposed after the 1994 collapse of the old Fortuna Hotel in Nathan Road, which killed six people.
Under the bill, those failing to properly supervise building works would face maximum fines of $25,000 and up to three years in prison.
The bill has faced strong opposition from professional bodies, construction companies and legislators.
They say it is unrealistic for anyone to be held responsible for accidents 24 hours a day, especially as architects and engineers may not visit a site more than two or three times a week.
A Buildings Department official admitted opposition was so strong the bill might not be approved.
