Construction safety design needed to reduce fatal accidents in Hong Kong: experts

Hong Kong authorities have called for construction safety design to be integrated into all building plans, following 15 fatal industrial accidents in the city earlier this year. Construction Industry Council chairman Thomas Ho On-sing warned that the number of such accidents was increasing despite stricter penalties, indicating that a safety culture had not yet taken hold.

Up to 70% to 80% of accidents are attributed to bad habits and poor mindsets, with tight deadlines being a major factor. Chau Sze-kit, chairman of the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union, acknowledged progress in safety awareness but emphasized that a "rushing culture" still prevails. He stressed the need for a safety-first culture and attributed the issue to both workers and management, suggesting that improved design at the onset of construction could minimize risks.

Other industry leaders echoed the call for a culture shift, pointing out that the "rushing culture" is driven by tight deadlines and penalties for delays. They stressed that changing mindsets requires commitment from all stakeholders in the construction industry to address broader issues, including planning and environmental hazards.