In an encouraging shift, Hong Kong has reported a significant decline in workplace fatalities in 2024, marking a reversal of the alarming trend that has persisted since 2018. According to newly released data from the Labour Department (LD), 244 fatal cases were recorded last year, down from 297 in 2023.

This significant drop has sparked discussions among officials, including Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun Yuk-han, who presented the findings during a recent Legislative Council session. Despite the encouraging statistics, the finance and insurance, along with the real estate and professional services sectors, have continued to bear the brunt of workplace tragedies, accounting for the highest number of fatalities—71 cases last year, down from 94 the previous year.

Interestingly, the construction industry, long notorious for its perilous working conditions, experienced a rise in fatalities, with 51 deaths reported in 2024. This figure represents an uptick from the 47 fatalities seen in 2023, underscoring persistent safety challenges in this sector.

The transportation and logistics sectors also saw a positive trend, with fatalities decreasing to 38 from 50 in the prior year. This shift indicates improved safety measures and vigilance in industries traditionally hit hard by workplace accidents.

In a proactive effort to further enhance safety protocols, the Labour Department has teamed up with the Occupational Safety and Health Council to introduce the OSH Star Enterprise - Repair, Maintenance, Alteration and Addition (RMAA) Safety Accreditation Scheme. This initiative aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by offering subsidies for safety equipment, establishing safety management systems, and providing essential training on work-at-height safety practices.

Moreover, the government is keenly focused on ensuring compliance with the Employees' Compensation (EC) insurance requirements, and authorities are considering amending penalties associated with safety violations.

As workplace safety becomes increasingly vital, stakeholders are encouraged to stay vigilant and committed to ongoing improvements. While the drop in fatalities is a step in the right direction, it is a reminder of the continuous work needed to protect lives on the job.

Let’s hope this marks a true turning point in workplace safety for Hong Kong, and that we see further reductions in fatalities in the coming years!