3 firms fined over HK$900,000 each for role in apprentice electrician’s death

Three firms – China Power International Development, A Kourage, and Skynet Engineering Company – have been fined a combined HK$2.52 million for their involvement in the death of a 38-year-old apprentice electrician. The incident occurred in 2020 at the Hong Kong Science Park during wet weather when the worker was electrocuted while installing solar panels.

The main contractor, China Power, failed to conduct any site supervision and the joint venture firm, Skynet Engineering, had not inspected the site or ensured the worker had completed necessary safety training. Towngas-China Power, responsible for operational works, did not provide the required insulated gloves or confirm the worker's qualifications.

All three firms were found guilty of serious negligence and failing to report the incident within seven days. China Power and Skynet Engineering were additionally found to have ordered unauthorized actions by the worker. The verdict underscores the severity of occupational safety breaches, with a potential penalty of up to HK$10 million and two years in prison for offenders.