7 February 2025
Ms May Chan Wing-Shiu, JP Commissioner for Labour Labour Department 16/F., Harbour Building 38 Pier Road, Central Hong Kong
Dear May,
Concerns about the Increasing Number of Industrial Accidents and their Impact on Hong Kong’s International Image
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce is increasingly concerned about the rising frequency of industrial accidents in Hong Kong. These incidents not only impact workers and their families but also tarnish our global reputation as a world-class international business and financial hub.
Current Concerns
The increase in industrial accidents has highlighted several critical issues that require immediate attention:
1. Unsafe Behaviour of Workers: Unsafe practices among workers, often pressure to meet deadlines, contribute to increased incidents and accidents on construction sites. This behavior is frequently attributed to the lack of a “safety first” culture within organizations.
2. Lack of Supervision: Many workers, particularly newly imported ones, do not receive adequate training or supervision, leading to unsafe working conditions. Imported workers may also face challenges due to language and cultural differences, hindering their engagement with workplace safety protocols.
3. Inadequate Safety Management Systems: Many companies lack robust safety management systems, which are essential for identifying and mitigating risks.
Recommendations
To address these pressing issues, we propose the following recommendations:
1. Merit and Demerit System: Implementing a merit and demerit system within
construction companies can foster a culture of accountability and safety. This system would reward companies upholding high safety standards and penalize those fail to comply with regulations, benefiting both internal monitoring or public interest.
2. Regular Safety Audits: Conduct regular audits of workplaces to assess safety management systems and ensure adherence to safety standards.
3. Collaboration with Industry Experts: Engage with industry experts to develop best practices for safety management and accident prevention.
By addressing these concerns and implementing the recommended strategies, construction companies can significantly enhance workplace safety and prevent accidents. In the medium to long-term, improving construction site work safety will not only change the general perception of construction work as risk-ridden, but will also help attract a new generation of workforce to join the industry. This will be conducive to growing the local construction labor pool and supporting the sustainable development of the construction industry in Hong Kong.
We urge the Labour Department to give these recommendations serious consideration and take proactive measures to address the underlying issues contributing to these accidents.
Yours sincerely,
Agnes Chan Chairman
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