10 hours Ago By SCMP Editorial
Fatal industrial accidents have happened so often in recent years that there is probably no need for yet another report to point out the severity of the matter. But new light was shed when a maladministration watchdog stepped in and exposed an array of systemic issues at different levels that are woefully contributing to Hong Kong’s poor work safety record. The problems identified must be followed up expeditiously lest more precious lives are lost.
The investigation, one of the largest and most comprehensive initiated by the Ombudsman in many years, has confirmed fears that the surge in workplace fatalities stemmed from a host of problems at multiple levels, including slack supervision by contractors and the authorities as well as inadequate punishment and deterrents for those who failed to take their legal responsibilities seriously. In what was described as “simply absurd” and “reckless” situations, some high-risk operations, such as bamboo scaffolding and the use of window gondolas, were found to have been signed off by personnel without any on-site safety inspections. But the corresponding penalty was as little as a fine of HK$7,000 in one case.
Separately, one contractor was convicted 77 times in six years. The “blatant defiance” of the law and disregard for workplace safety was shocking, the watchdog said. Adding to the woes are slack enforcement and red tape.
The Ombudsman found that the authorities lacked urgency in investigating incidents involving contractors with a history of fatalities, while the penalties were insufficient to deter repeat offenders. In the 10 years between 2011 and 2021, investigations revealed that the Buildings Department only took disciplinary action against one contractor over a fatal case after six years because of “miscommunication” with the Labour Department. Between 2018 and 2023, the construction sector recorded 108 fatal industrial accidents, accounting for more than 80 per cent of all workplace accidents.
In the same period, the average annual fine for those found violating occupational safety laws was merely between HK$8,000 and HK$10,500, according to the report. Credit goes to the Ombudsman for playing a key role in identifying gaps and inadequacies in governance. This probe is especially timely in light of a disturbing surge in fatal workplace accidents.
We trust it is not a cosmetic gesture when the chief secretary is to lead a working group to strengthen departmental management and performance accountability in relation to the report. Hopefully, it will not take another fatal incident to push for more serious reforms that can truly create a safer work culture at all levels. As the Ombudsman rightly said, one life lost in industrial accidents is one too many.
.
