Survey links 80pc of HK construction fatalities to ‘rushing culture’

Approximately 80 percent of fatal construction accidents in Hong Kong have been attributed to a “rushing culture” among management staff and workers, according to a survey conducted by the Construction Industry Council.

The findings, based on responses from 2,000 construction site managers and workers, were highlighted by Council Chairman Thomas Ho On-sing during the opening ceremony of Construction Safety Week on Monday.

Ho noted that the most significant challenge facing the industry is the pervasive pressure to meet tight deadlines and accelerate progress, often at the expense of safety.

The survey also revealed that 20 percent of construction sites lacked a supportive culture of care, relying instead solely on punitive measures. Additionally, only half of the sites conducted daily safety briefings that included risk assessments and training on the use of double-lanyard safety systems.

Such training is critical in preventing falls from height, Ho emphasized, noting that nearly 50 percent of fatalities at construction sites are caused by such incidents.

Ho expressed hope that the industry would foster a more compassionate culture while adopting technological solutions such as the Smart Site Safety System (4S).

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho reported during the ceremony that the government has actively promoted the 4S system, which has now been implemented in approximately 600 worksites—accounting for about 70 percent of all sites in Hong Kong.

Linn also underscored the government’s efforts to integrate innovative technology, such as relocating high-risk procedures from construction sites to controlled factory environments.

“Construction sites should build a culture of looking out for one another and uphold the principle of continuous safety improvement,” she said.