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SCMP Editorial

The death toll on Hong Kong’s construction sites is unacceptable and, despite repeated promises over many years to improve safety, the tragedies continue.
A worker was crushed and killed this month. Two sewer workers died in April, after apparently inhaling toxic gas, and two women lost their lives when scaffolding collapsed in February.
The construction industry experienced more than 3,000 accidents last year, with 20 deaths. A solution is needed.
A familiar pattern follows each accident. Work is suspended, investigations launched and, sometimes, penalties imposed.

But this is not enough. The launch of a new labelling system for construction sites that adopt technology designed to improve safety is, therefore, a step in the right direction.
Sites that use the Smart Site Safety System, launched by the Development Bureau and Construction Industry Council, will receive accreditation.
Major public projects are already required to adopt the technology, but the take-up rate in the private sector is disappointing, despite subsidies being available. It is hoped that 500 sites, or 60 per cent, will join the scheme by the end of the year.
The use of the technology may just provide a breakthrough in efforts to improve safety. It monitors high-risk work and identifies hazards by analysing data and generating alerts through a centralised control system.
Workers wear sensors and the system can detect if they are suffering from heatstroke, are close to heavy machinery or have failed to use safety equipment. Some contractors use an app to monitor worker safety.

Using such devices should be standard practice.
Technology should not, however, be seen as a panacea. Success will depend on how effectively it is used.
There remains a need to change the culture on construction sites, where safety can take second place to meeting deadlines and rules are often disregarded.
Other measures have been adopted. The maximum penalties for serious breaches were increased last year to a HK$10 million (US$1.3 million) fine and a two-year jail term.
New guidelines intended to protect workers operating in confined spaces are on the way.
But the accidents continue. Every effort must be made to ensure that, through technology or other means, workers are protected.


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Accidents and personal safety in Hong Kong

Hi-tech alone cannot stop Hong Kong worker deaths

Workers at a construction site in West Kowlooon Cultural District. Amid a spate of recent Hong Kong accidents, every effort must be made to ensure that workers are protected. Photo: Eugene Lee

A police investigation at Yuen Wo Playground in Sha Tin in April found two sewer workers died from inhaling methane gas. Photo: Jelly Tse

Two women workers died in Kai Tak in February after bamboo scaffolding around a 30-storey building collapsed. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong launches labelling scheme to recognise construction sites using smart safety system

Workers at a public housing construction site in Cheung Sha Wan. Hong Kong’s construction industry has been plagued by rising accidents in recent years. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn says the new scheme is meant to “put some pressure” on Hong Kong’s construction sector to improve safety standards. Photo: Edmond So

Hong Kong worker falls from 2-metre-high stage while dismantling Taiwanese band Mayday’s concert site, loses consciousness

Works are under way to dismantle the stage used by Taiwanese rock band Mayday at the Central harbourfront. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong suspends 2 construction companies building Kai Tak Sports Park after worker dies

Hong Kong suspended two construction companies after a worker was killed in an accident at Kai Tak Sports Park. Photo: Facebook

The worker was crushed between a mechanised platform and a metal structure he was inspecting. Photo: Facebook

Opinion

With more than 3,000 accidents and 20 fatalities last year, the latest moves to improve safety in the Hong Kong construction industry are welcome, but work culture also needs to change


Hong Kong

Technology

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Column

Editorial

Editorial | Hi-tech alone cannot stop Hong Kong worker deaths

With more than 3,000 accidents and 20 fatalities last year, the latest moves to improve safety in the Hong Kong construction industry are welcome, but work culture also needs to change