Hong Kong labor unions have called for enhanced safety measures at worksites following a series of industrial accidents in the city, which resulted in at least 62 reported incidents—including 24 fatalities—during the first half of 2024. The renewed urgency comes after two recent fatal accidents: one involving a worker crushed by a toppled excavator at a Ho Man Tin construction site, and another where a worker was struck by a road roller in Kowloon Bay.

Fay Siu Sin-man, chief executive of the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims, emphasized that machinery-related incidents have long been a significant cause of workplace accidents. She attributed many of the recent casualties to insufficient risk assessments performed before work commenced and a failure to address hazardous practices. Siu stressed that conducting thorough pre-work risk evaluations is critical to identifying dangers and implementing preventive measures to reduce accidents.

“A safe work culture requires commitment at all levels,” Siu said. She explained that site owners need to allocate adequate resources without pressuring workers to rush, management must vigilantly monitor potential hazards, and workers should be encouraged to be proactive in recognizing risks.

Data compiled by the association and media outlets showed that out of the 62 industrial accidents recorded between January and June across various sectors, 36 occurred at construction or maintenance sites. Sixteen incidents involved machinery, while 15 were due to falls from height and 13 involved workers being struck by falling or moving objects.

Chau Sze-kit, chairman of the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union, noted that machinery-related accidents and falls from heights are particularly prevalent in the construction industry. While he acknowledged that worker negligence might contribute in some cases, Chau highlighted a broader issue of insufficient safety culture and lack of effective oversight.

Referring to the recent excavator accident, Chau questioned whether appropriate risk assessments had been conducted—such as evaluating slope stability and load limits—before operation began. He also raised concerns about whether adequate safety measures were implemented, including restricting access to the lifting area and ensuring enough supervisory personnel were present on site. “Some accidents can be avoided if supervisors recognize risks and halt unsafe activities,” he said.

Both union representatives also flagged the impact of Hong Kong’s record-high temperatures this year and next, as forecast by the Hong Kong Observatory, on worker safety. Chau acknowledged that some measures—such as providing drinking water, cooling zones, and rest breaks—had been introduced. However, he noted many workers are reluctant to take breaks due to fear of job loss. He urged employers to increase provision of rest time and cooling equipment, such as cool towels and garments with built-in fans, suggesting government subsidies could support these initiatives.

Siu recommended expanding the number of water stations and shelter areas, citing reports from workers about limited access to these facilities. She also advocated for permitting workers to rest as needed and monitoring vital signs before shifts to better safeguard health under extreme heat conditions.

The calls from unions come amid ongoing concerns over workplace safety in Hong Kong, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach that combines rigorous risk assessment, management accountability, and worker empowerment to prevent further industrial accidents.