Unionists have called on lawmakers to pass a bill that toughens penalties for employers who neglect occupational safety and cause the death or serious injury of employees, following the fatal crane accident on Anderson Road on Wednesday.

At a press conference on Friday, the Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) said current penalties have not been reviewed for more than 20 years, and they need to be beefed up to have a stronger deterrent effect.

At the moment, violations of occupational safety and health legislation carry a maximum fine of HK$500,000. The maximum jail sentence is one year.

The government has proposed raising the maximum penalties of such offences to a fine of HK$10 million and two years’ imprisonment.

"Some legislators from the business sector are still saying the proposed penalties are too tough... I urge lawmakers to [support the bill] with their conscience, as people face serious occupational safety and health [risks]," said FTU's honorary president, Lam Shuk-yee.

The union added that the authorities need to review the system for safety management, as Labour Department officers often rely on documents and may not examine the machinery when conducting site inspections.

Meanwhile, housing chief Winnie Ho called on the construction sector to prioritise safety, saying also that inspections must not be done in a careless manner.