The Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims has sounded the alarm on the rising number of workplace fatalities and sudden deaths in Hong Kong, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced safety education, especially for children. As of Monday this year, there have been 76 fatal workplace accidents reported across all sectors, with almost half occurring in the construction industry. Additionally, the number of cases classified as “sudden death at work” has doubled compared to last year, totaling forty incidents.
Importance of Safety Education for Children
Expressing grave concern over these statistics, Venus Cheuk, an organizer from the association, highlighted the critical need for safety awareness not only within the industry but also in Hong Kong society at large. Cheuk emphasized that the current emphasis on pre-employment training is insufficient to address the root causes of these incidents, stressing that safety education should commence from childhood itself.
Cheuk explained, “Since childhood, there has been a lack of safety education, hindering the natural development of a safety mindset among individuals. This deficit in early education contributes to the prevalence of workplace accidents and fatalities.”
Chief executive Fay Siu of the association echoed these sentiments, expressing dissatisfaction with the existing penalties for employers found guilty of violating the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance. Siu proposed that in addition to fines, jail terms should be imposed on offenders in severe cases to serve as a more effective deterrent against safety violations.
Furthermore, the association disclosed that six deaths or serious industrial accidents occurred during the construction of the airport’s third runway system, with some incidents taking place during nighttime operations. In response, the Airport Authority assured the public that they consistently adhere to the highest safety standards in construction. They specified that the accident rate for the third runway system project stands at 6.41 per thousand workers, significantly lower than the industry average.
In conclusion, the pressing need for enhanced safety education for children and stringent penalties for safety violations in the workplace is imperative to mitigate the rising trend of workplace accidents and fatalities in Hong Kong. The collaboration between regulatory bodies, employers, and educational institutions is crucial to instill a culture of safety consciousness from a young age, ultimately fostering a safer working environment for all individuals.
