Letters | Hong Kong’s construction sector needs a culture of care

Readers discuss how to improve safety at construction sites, the consumer economy, and the importance of English in corporate mainland China

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A construction site in Central. By shifting the focus from cost-cutting to quality and respect for skilled workers, the construction industry can foster a culture that values craftsmanship. Photo: Jelly Tse

Published: 11:30am, 9 Jul 2024

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Recent incidents in Hong Kong’s construction industry have highlighted critical areas for improvement. While these incidents have raised concerns about current safety standards, they have also sparked a push for positive change.

Investigations have revealed issues such as poor-quality materials, inadequate safety protocols and insufficient worker training. There is a growing call for regulatory enforcement and a cultural shift towards prioritising safety and ethical practices. Industry leaders are championing comprehensive reforms. The government is also being urged to implement more robust measures to prevent future incidents.

The cause of the current situation may be a deeply entrenched, distorted mentality that has fostered a culture of hierarchy, greed and deprivation. By prioritising profit over safety, substandard practices and oversight put people in danger. A critical opportunity to reform the industry must start with a fundamental shift in values.

Emphasising safety, ethics and responsibility can pave the way for a safer industry and help prevent further tragedies. As the industry grapples with unfair contract practices and poor communication between contractors and workers, now may be the perfect moment to foster a caring culture.

Firms should prioritise employee well-being and safety, setting new standards that can solve widespread problems, and ensure a safer and more respectful environment for all.