EditorialHong Kong’s development push must not come at the cost of human life

With major construction work now under way at the Northern Metropolis and other development projects, it is time for a solemn reflection. Despite a wealth of guidelines and safeguards enshrined in law, the recurrence of such mishaps signals failures in adherence at multiple levels.

In the latest accident, a 45-metre section of the crane plummeted onto a slope, dragging the operator in his cabin to his death. The crane, which underwent weekly inspections, including one that morning, was moving a metal structure when it collapsed. The main contractor involved, Woon Lee Construction, was fined by authorities over two deadly incidents at its sites in 2009 and 2011.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han’s pledge at the time for a swift investigation and accountability was welcome. But it also raised questions about whether lessons were learned following a high-profile crane collapse tragedy that killed three people and injured six others at a housing construction site in Sau Mau Ping in 2022.

There is no shortage of rules and sanctions to ensure that construction and other industrial workers are protected at work. Yet more must be done. It is intolerable that Hong Kong’s appetite for development comes with such high human costs. Low awareness, judgment lapses, lax oversight and complacency often turn workplaces into potential death traps.