Hong Kong court increases fines on contractors over fatal construction site accident

Summary

Hong Kong’s Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts has revised sentencing and significantly increased fines for contractors involved in a fatal construction accident in Yau Tong. The incident, on 14 December 2022, saw a worker fatally struck while dismantling an I-beam. Three contractors — Aggressive Construction Engineering Limited, High Grade Engineering Limited and another contractor — were prosecuted under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance.

Originally fined HK$36,000, HK$43,000 and HK$35,000 on 31 October 2024, the Government sought a review, arguing the penalties were too light. On 11 September 2025 the court raised the fines to HK$74,000, HK$79,000 and HK$74,000 respectively. The Labour Department welcomed the decision, saying it sends a clear message on contractors’ legal duty to protect workers’ safety and health.

Key Points

The fatal accident occurred on 14 December 2022 in Yau Tong when a worker was struck while dismantling an I-beam.
Three contractors were prosecuted under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance and related regulations.
Initial fines issued on 31 October 2024 were HK$36,000; HK$43,000; and HK$35,000 — deemed too lenient by the Government.
After a Government review application, the court increased the fines on 11 September 2025 to HK$74,000; HK$79,000; and HK$74,000 respectively.
The Labour Department stated the revised penalties underline the seriousness of occupational safety offences and reinforce contractors’ responsibilities.
The Government said it will continue to seek reviews where sentences appear relatively light, signalling tougher enforcement scrutiny going forward.

Why should I read this?

If you’re in HR, compliance or construction — this is one to note. Fines doubled after a review, so courts and the Government are clearly upping the pressure on safety enforcement. It’s a good wake-up call: tighten procedures, review risk assessments and make sure workers are properly protected. We’ve skimmed the legal bits so you don’t have to.