Hong Kong has begun a city-wide crackdown on unsafe practices in the construction sector after a series of fatal and serious accidents.
The Labour Department said the operation began on 8 November. Inspectors will carry out unannounced checks across a broad mix of sites, including new-build projects, repairs, maintenance and alteration works.
Officers will focus on high-risk tasks such as work at height, scaffolding and demolition.
Officials said they will take “stringent enforcement actions” where breaches are found. This includes suspension notices, improvement notices and prosecutions. The department will also increase oversight of safety training providers and continue wider efforts to promote safe working across the industry.
Investigations into recent incidents are continuing. The Labour Department said duty holders would face prosecution if they are found to have broken safety laws.
Hong Kong’s regulations allow for fines of up to HK$10 million (about £1,000,000) and prison terms of up to two years for employers or contractors who fail to comply. Employees who break the rules can be fined up to HK$150,000 (about £15,000) and jailed for up to six months.
