Hong Kong’s Labour Department (LD) has launched a safety enforcement drive following a spate of construction site deaths and accidents.
Starting tomorrow, 8 November, occupational safety officers will inspect worksites, including new builds and refurbishment works, with particular attention paid to sites involving working at height and demolition.
They’ll be ready to prosecute, suspend work, or issue guidelines on how to improve.
The LD is also reviewing health and safety rules and recent accidents to assess cause and legal accountability.
In Hong Kong contractors or employers found guilty of breaking safety law can be fined up to US$1m (HK$10m) and face two years in prison. Employees can be fined US$14,700 (HK$$150,000) and face six months in prison.
It’s unclear how long the safety drive will last: A press release from the Hong Kong government said it would “continue for a period of time”.
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