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Editorial | More must be done to ensure worker safety
- Another grim annual toll of industrial accidents calls for the swift passing of a law imposing heavier fines on those responsible and the need for further precautions
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The horrific collapse of a construction site crane, killing three workers and injuring six in September, highlighted the dangers faced on Hong Kong’s building sites and the urgent need to improve safety measures.
Sadly, while investigations into the tragedy continue, industrial accidents have claimed the lives of other workers. It is an unacceptable situation that requires urgent attention.
Three workers perished in separate incidents within 48 hours this month. A 42-year-old fell from bamboo scaffolding while helping renovate a house, a dock worker died in a gas explosion and a 55-year-old was killed when a piece of metal fell on him.
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The grim death toll for the year, up until mid-December, stands at 26 for industrial accidents, 17 of them construction workers.
When a tragedy occurs, the Labour Department and sometimes the police launch investigations. If breaches of safety rules are found, penalties can be imposed.
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A bill currently before the Legislative Council proposes steep increases in the maximum fines and jail terms that can be imposed. This is long overdue.
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