​As Super Typhoon Ragasa is edging closer, Hong Kong is expected to be affected by its strong winds and heavy rain in the coming days. To safeguard the safety of employees and ensure equipment at workplaces is secure, the Labour Department (LD) today (September 22) reminds employers (including contractors and responsible persons for workplaces) to take appropriate precautionary measures immediately.
      
     A spokesperson for the LD said, "According to the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance and the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, employers have an obligation to ensure the safety and health of employees at work, including providing and maintaining safe workplaces, safe systems of work and safe plant. If employees are required to work under adverse weather or extreme conditions, employers must, so far as reasonably practicable, ensure that the hazards associated with relevant working environments are properly controlled and the risks are reduced to the minimum."
      
     Those who contravene the relevant provisions under the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance and the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.
      
     The spokesperson continued, "Before the advent of typhoons or adverse weather, employers should pay attention to weather forecasts issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, suspend all non-essential outdoor work, and arrange for employees to take shelter in safe locations or leave work early. If it is necessary to arrange for employees to be on duty, employers must conduct advance assessments of the work risks caused by typhoons or adverse weather, promptly make work arrangements and take corresponding precautionary measures."
      
     The spokesman also reminded employers that they must promptly take appropriate precautionary measures and secure all outdoor equipment (e.g. scaffolds, working platforms, lifting appliances, suspended working platforms, temporary power supply equipment, etc) to prevent accidents.
      
     After the typhoons or adverse weather have passed, employers, and employees should remain vigilant, inspect the workplaces and take adequate safety measures before fully resuming work. Employees should also co-operate by following safety instructions and by using safety equipment.

Ends/Monday, September 22, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:31

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