The loss of 15 lives in industrial accidents during the first seven months of 2026 is a sobering reminder that workplace safety remains a pressing challenge. Equally concerning is that the fatalities are evenly split between new works and Repair, Maintenance, Alteration and Addition (RMAA) projects, indicating that safety weaknesses persist across all sectors of the construction industry. As Chairman of the Safety Specialist Committee (SSC), I believe the time has come for the entire industry to unite behind a common vision and a measurable five-year roadmap to drive lasting improvement.

One of the key weaknesses today is the continued reliance on administrative controls and worker behaviour, while opportunities to eliminate hazards through design and engineering are not fully utilised. The SSC will therefore champion Design for Safety (DfS) as a core industry strategy. To turn aspirations into actions, the industry should establish measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). For example, DfS implementation could be targeted for at least 80% of public works projects and 60% of private projects within five years, accompanied by measurable reductions in high-risk activities and serious accidents.

Developing people is equally important. The SSC will promote safety professionalism among engineers, strengthen the competency requirements of supervisors, and support the development of a highly skilled workforce. Through co-organised training programmes, young engineers will be equipped with stronger safety leadership capabilities. At the same time, STEAM education initiatives will help inspire Generation Z to embrace engineering innovation and safety culture from an early age.

To support continuous learning, the SSC will help widen the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) spectrum within HKIE by promoting multidisciplinary programmes in DfS, Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), safety management, and technical exchange visits. These initiatives will facilitate knowledge sharing, encourage innovation, and strengthen collaboration across disciplines.

Looking ahead, the SSC supports the registration of safety professionals and the wider adoption of smart technologies, including AI-assisted monitoring, wearables, digital permitto-work systems, and smart site management platforms. Additional KPIs may include a 30% reduction in serious accidents, a 50% increase in registered safety professionals, and broader deployment of smart safety technologies on major projects.

As a connecting agent among government, industry stakeholders, professional institutions and academia, the SSC will facilitate collaboration and drive implementation. Through a shared vision, measurable KPIs and collective commitment, we can transform recommendations into results and build a safer construction industry for all.

This article is contributed by Ir George Au with the coordination of the Safety Specialist Committee.