Hong Kong Mandates Video Cameras at Confined Workspace Entrances to Enhance Safety

Starting November 30, contractors in Hong Kong will be required to install video cameras at the entrances and exits of confined workspaces. This new safety code is a response to two high-profile worker fatalities in manholes and underground sites.

The Labour Department has introduced a revised Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces to enhance worker safety. The code mandates that video cameras be installed to monitor compliance with safety precautions and maintain records. This measure aims to prevent fatalities and ensure adherence to safety protocols.

The revised code includes several key revisions: enhanced supervision requirements for proprietors and contractors, guidance on factors for assessing underground pipework jobs, a comprehensive risk assessment form template, and updated air-monitoring alarm settings and Permit-to-work Certificate templates.

Why this matters: This new safety code has broader implications for worker safety and health in Hong Kong, and potentially beyond. Failure to comply with the code's provisions could lead to increased risk of fatalities and injuries, and also result in legal consequences for contractors and proprietors.

A six-month grace period has been granted to allow the industry to prepare and implement the necessary safety measures. This period is intended to give contractors sufficient time to set up the required video cameras and other safety protocols.

The legal significance of the new code is notable. It has a special legal status, and failure to comply with its provisions may be considered a relevant factor in determining breaches of health and safety legislation in criminal proceedings.

The revised code follows two fatal accidents involving workers in confined spaces. In April, two sewer maintenance workers died in a manhole in Sha Tin as a result of toxic gas. In September, two workers were found dead at the Elements shopping centre in West Kowloon after being overcome by toxic gas in an underground site.

Fay Siu Sin-man, chief executive of the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims, welcomed the move but expressed disappointment that contractors do not need to obtain consent from the Labour Department before starting work in confined spaces. Joseph Chi Wuh-jian, a member of the Hong Kong Institute of Engineers' safety specialist committee, agreed that video footage could boost awareness of safety and make contractors and workers more vigilant.

The revised Code of Practice can be downloaded from the Labour Department's website. For further inquiries, the Occupational Safety and Health branch of the Labour Department can be contacted.

The introduction of this new safety code represents a significant step towards improving worker safety in confined spaces. With the installation of video cameras, the aim is to prevent further fatalities and ensure strict adherence to safety protocols.

Key Takeaways

• New safety code in Hong Kong requires video cameras at confined workspace entrances/exits.
• Code aims to prevent fatalities and ensure safety protocol adherence after 2 worker deaths.
• Contractors have 6-month grace period to implement new safety measures.
• Failure to comply may lead to legal consequences and increased risk of fatalities/injuries.
• Revised code includes enhanced supervision, risk assessment, and air-monitoring alarm settings.