Hung Fuk Estate Fire: Subcontractor Denies Finding Workers Smoking on Site
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Independent Commission investigating the fatal Tai Po Hung Fuk Estate fire has released key documents revealing conflicting accounts between official records and reported construction site practices. On December 12, the Commission's Secretariat published responses from primary subcontractor Wong Wah Tim Engineering Company, which handled facade renovation works including wall hacking, plaster spraying, tile laying, and window caulking. The company stated it found no evidence of smoking by its workers and kept no documentation on the issue, despite media reports describing workers smoking on scaffolds and discarding cigarette butts on construction sites.
Key Points
- The Independent Commission Secretariat released multiple responses and witness statements on December 12 regarding the Hung Fuk Estate fire investigation
- Wong Wah Tim Engineering Company, responsible for facade renovation work, responded "no" to all questions about discovering or receiving reports of workers smoking in construction areas
- The company also stated it received no complaints or reminders from the main contractor, management office, or other contractors regarding worker smoking
- No smoking-related records were kept, including inspection logs, violation records, or internal notices
- The company confirmed having a no-smoking policy but provided no details on specific rules, while also confirming it conducted safety briefings that covered no-smoking requirements
- Eight other subcontractors including Sun Nam Fai Construction, Shing Ho Engineering, Fat Lei Construction, On Chong Engineering, Ming Wong Maintenance, Kuen Shing Engineering, Hang Fung Construction, and Hyde Construction were also involved in similar renovation work
Why It Matters
The release of these documents highlights potential gaps in construction site safety enforcement at Hung Fuk Estate, where two firefighters died during firefighting operations. The discrepancy between reported smoking practices on scaffolds and the subcontractor's claim of zero awareness raises questions about oversight mechanisms and accountability in managing renovation projects in Hong Kong residential estates.
The release of these documents highlights potential gaps in construction site safety enforcement at Hung Fuk Estate, where two firefighters died during firefighting operations. The discrepancy between reported smoking practices on scaffolds and the subcontractor's claim of zero awareness raises questions about oversight mechanisms and accountability in managing renovation projects in Hong Kong residential estates.