Deadly work? Silent tributes for fallen a grim reminder of need for change at Hong Kong’s construction sites, as industry urges safety boost
- Contractors object to being blamed for mishaps, but union says tight work schedules are an issue
- ‘Silent tributes’ to dead workers being held at more construction sites to raise safety awareness
Standing in silence before their classes began, about 20 men training to work in Hong Kong’s construction industry kept their heads bowed, mourning two workers who died in worksite accidents last month.
The accidents were among a spate in the construction industry in recent months, raising concerns about worksite safety, and the silent tribute on December 2 was organised by the Construction Industry Council.
Among those present was Jeff Hui, 26, who had just begun his two-year training course as a building utility supervisor in September when a 65-tonne tower crane collapsed at a Sau Mau Ping worksite, leaving an electrician, an engineer and an engineering assistant dead and six others injured.
Preliminary investigations found that the tower crane was suspected to have “obvious faults” at its base.
The tragedy did not deter Hui from joining the building industry, which offered a more stable income than his previous job as a property agent.
His salary will increase threefold in the construction industry, he said, adding that it was tough getting by on his previous basic monthly pay of HK$6,000 [US$771] while waiting months or even years to receive his commission from selling a property.
“Building workers and property agents work under the same sun, we all have a tough time,” he said. “I believe many accidents can be avoided if the industry upholds safety measures.”