Contractor and its subcontractor fined $190,000 in total for carrying out works in dangerous manner
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The case involved a fatal incident that occurred during the demolition of a village house in Tsuen Wan on November 8, 2023. A worker was found on the ground floor with his lower body buried under debris and subsequently died.
An investigation by the Buildings Department (BD) found that the first-floor slab of the house had partially collapsed. Prior to the demolition, no temporary propping had been installed beneath the section, and the reinforcing bars connecting the slab to the structural wall had been cut in such a manner that it caused death to a person. This contravened section 40(2B)(a) of the BO. The BD instigated prosecution action against the contractor and its subcontractor in 2024, and both were convicted and fined $100,000 and $90,000 respectively yesterday.
A spokesman for the BD said today (January 30) that contractors must take appropriate precautionary measures before the commencement of demolition works to ensure site and public safety.
Pursuant to section 40(2B)(a) of the BO, any person directly concerned with the relevant building works, who carries out or authorises or permits such works to be carried out, in such manner that it causes injury to any person or damage to any property, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine of $1,000,000 and to imprisonment for three years.
Ends/Friday, January 30, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:00
Issued at HKT 15:00
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