Outdated First Aid Rules Leave Construction Workers Vulnerable, Industry Groups Urge Reform

**Key Findings** The Construction Industry General Union (CIGU) and the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims (ARIAV) have jointly called on the government to revamp outdated first aid regulations for construction sites, warning that current standards leave injured workers inadequately protected. According to Labour Department figures, Hong Kong's construction sector recorded 486 industrial accidents in the first quarter of 2024, with 15 fatal cases documented as of August 9 [1]. The ARIAV's own count reached 16 deaths by July 15, 2024, with the discrepancy likely attributable to self-employed workers not captured in government statistics [1]. **Current Regulatory Gaps** Under the Buildings Ordinance (Construction) Safety Regulations, contractors employing five or more workers must provide one first aid kit per 50 workers, managed by a designated team [1]. However, CIGU Chairman Zhou Sijie noted that first aid kits are typically stored in main contractors' offices or medical rooms, often far from active work zones [1]. ARIAV Officer Liu Jiale warned that injured workers must first notify the safety department, which then contacts first aid personnel—a process that may cause critical delays in emergency treatment [1]. Liu further pointed out that existing required supplies, including dressings and bandages, are suitable only for home use and inadequate for serious wounds like open injuries or severe bleeding [1]. Currently, only a minority of sites are equipped with tourniquets or have staff trained in their use [1]. **Staffing Concerns** The regulations mandate one first aid worker per 30 or more workers on site, with two required for sites exceeding 100 workers [1]. Liu Jiale expressed concern that hundreds of workers may be served by just two first aid personnel, many of whom hold concurrent roles as safety officers or supervisors [1]. Association of Authorized Signatories Chairman Li Qiyuan acknowledged that sites with over 100 workers typically employ full-time medics, but smaller operations with 40 to 50 workers may lack dedicated personnel depending on contract requirements and project risk levels [1]. **Proposed Reforms** Industry representatives have put forward multiple recommendations. Li suggested that first aid requirements should factor in site location and project risk rather than relying solely on worker headcount thresholds [1]. For high-risk or remote projects where ambulances face longer response times, he recommended contractual stipulations for additional medical staffing [1]. Liu advocated for incorporating basic first aid knowledge into the mandatory "Safety Pass" training and equipping individual workers with personal first aid kits [1]. **AED Advocacy** A critical gap exists in automated external defibrillator (AED) coverage. Current law does not require employers to install AEDs in workplaces [1]. The ARIAV revealed that in just over six months, the construction industry recorded 10 sudden death cases during work hours, prompting calls for legislative mandates [1]. Zhou Sijie noted that while public sector contracts generally require AEDs and qualified operators, private sites and small maintenance projects often lack such equipment [1]. Both the ARIAV and CIGU are urging the government to mandate AED installation on all construction sites and require first aid workers to obtain AED operation certification [1]. **Technology Solutions** Li Qiyuan proposed leveraging technology to enhance worker monitoring, suggesting that smart watches capable of detecting heart rate anomalies could transmit data to site managers, first aid staff, or safety officers for early intervention [1]. He also raised concerns about an ageing workforce on construction sites and recommended that guidelines address specific care measures for older workers [1]. **Official Response** The Labour Department stated that contractors must assess operational risks and implement appropriate safety measures based on the statutory requirements outlined in the First Aid Guide, which was revised in 2023 to reflect current standards [1]. The department conducts unannounced inspections of construction sites, including verification of first aid facilities, and will take legal action against violations [1].