Sun Hung Kai Properties’ use of ‘smart helmets’ for construction workers cuts down accidents at its site
- Industry observers say although safety awareness levels are improving at construction sites, a lot more can be done to reduce accidents further
- ‘Smart helmets’ designed by SHKP subsidiary SmarTone can trigger an alert if workers wear them improperly, track their locations and monitor vital signs
Developers should make the use of protective gear mandatory and improve supervision of safety measures to minimise accidents as mishaps at Hong Kong’s smaller construction sites remain worryingly high, said industry observers.
Sun Hung Kai Properties, the city’s largest developer by market cap, meanwhile has placed the most notable bet on new technology to take the lead and optimise the safety of its construction sites.
“In recent few years, the number of deaths … has remained at around 20,” said Fay Siu Sin-man, chief executive at Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims, a non-governmental organisation that provides support for victims of industrial accidents.
“This is not satisfactory. I think there is still room for improvement, [such as] in terms of penalty. Some [workers] are still using simple ladders or not wearing safety belts while making scaffolding. This is still quite common.”
She added that unless safety equipment is used widely and awareness is raised among the workers and companies, accidents will continue to happen.
