aggressive action set over errant builders

The government will show no leniency for contractors who neglect construction safety rules, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki said, as a single industrial accident can destroy a family.

Chan said yesterday the government will continue its investigation and prosecution of Aggressive Construction Engineering at full speed over the death of a 55-year-old worker from being hit by a falling giant H-beam at its construction site in Yau Tong in December.

He gave voice to the stance after officials refused to renew the firm's license, resulting in its being banned from operating effective November 16.

Speaking in a forum on occupational safety and health, Chan said "one single work accident was one too many" and that the administration would step up work-safety promotions and education.

"Every time I hear about an industrial accident, I always ask myself whether it is a real accident, caused by human errors or whether it happened because the contractor refused to follow our safety instructions," he said.

"Every worker's life is priceless and we attach great importance to industrial safety. We will not tolerate any contractor that neglects the safety of its workers due to poor management and supervision."

Commissioner for Labour May Chan Wing-shiu said no effort would be spared in ferreting out causes of accidents and prosecuting contractors.

Although casualties from occupational accidents dropped over the past decade, their number remains at 20 per year, which is far from ideal, she said.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said in Beijing before returning that he supports the decision by the Development Bureau and the Buildings Department to remove the contractor from the registry on November 16.

As Aggressive Construction Co, a sister company of Aggressive Construction Engineering, has been involved in several accidents and is responsible for more than 15,000 public housing units, Lee said he has ordered Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin to review the situation.

Aggressive Construction Co's license expired in April and its renewal application is under consideration.

The vice chairman of the Legislative Council's housing panel, Scott Leung Man-kwong, was concerned about the impact of Aggressive Construction Co's license not being renewed.

"The Housing Department has said that Aggressive Construction Co remains in operation as it is still a registered company. I think we have to ensure construction safety and prevent it from rushing the projects," he said.

The Housing Authority, he added, has sent teams to supervise its work to ensure safety.

The Construction Industry Council backs the refusal to renew licenses of firms involved in industrial accidents.

"Construction safety and building quality are always our top priorities while we forge ahead in industry development By encouraging stakeholders to take up safety roles and responsibilities, the CIC strives to drive a transformation of site safety culture to enhance construction safety," it said.

"It encourages the industry to review site safety procedures and operations, utilize technologies with the adoption of a smart site safety system, modular integrated construction and construction robots to enhance site safety, productivity and sustainable development."