Court doubles fine for contractor over fatal accident
The West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on Wednesday reviewed an earlier sentence and almost doubled the fine on a contractor for safety violations linked to a fatal industrial accident around two and a half years ago. A worker died from an electric shock at a construction site in Chek Lap Kok in August 2023, prompting prosecution by the Labour Department. In an initial court ruling last January, Hip Seng Builders Limited was fined HK$261,000. The prosecution then sought a review for tougher penalties, resulting in the court increasing the total fine to HK$521,000. A Labour Department spokesperson said the decision sends a strong message that contractors must prioritise workers' safety and health on site.