Hong Kong is considering appealing against lenient sentences in workplace accident cases

Hong Kong labor authorities are considering appealing against “light” penalties imposed on contractors involved in industrial accidents, an official said, after four recent fatal incidents occurred within a week.

Ho Kai-ming, Undersecretary of Labor and Welfare, said on Wednesday that the government was saddened by the series of fatal cases, stressing that investigations were ongoing and orders had been issued for construction sites to suspend activities.

“Some recent sentences were handed down with light sentences before the bill was passed,” Ho said, referring to cases convicted before the law was changed to impose harsher sentences.

“We will discuss with the Ministry of Justice whether we will rely on raising awareness of occupational safety through the courts.”

He added that making things more attractive could mean making the person in charge of construction sites more responsible.

The Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance requires employers to provide safe working environments for employees, and those who violate this face a maximum fine of HK$10 million (US$1.29 million) and a two-year prison sentence upon conviction.

The law was amended and came into effect in April last year, increasing the fine from HK$500,000.