OBSERVATION: Roadworks in Hong Kong typically provide minimal protection to pedestrians relative to dust and noise pollution.
SOLUTION: Provide new requirements for labor safety, and strict environmental protection for all roadworks projects.
It has been said that noisy Hong Kong is like one giant construction site, with its roadways and sidewalks in a constant state of being dug up and paved over. Currently, there is very little environmental protection from deafening jackhammers and the massive amounts of dust affecting passersby, walking just inches away. How many times have you had to hold your breath and plug your ears as you push your way through the crowds as quickly as possible? First-time tourists visiting Hong Kong are often shocked and appalled.
The situation becomes even more reckless with many low-paid laborers at these roadside work sites lacking personal protective equipment (e.g. helmets, eye protection, work boots, face masks, ear plugs, etc.) relative to the dangerous nature of the work required of them.
This has sadly become the status quo in Hong Kong; why do things have to remain this way?
In high-density Japan, there are strict regulations regarding labor requirements, noise pollution, and the environmental / health impacts related to these types of everyday roadside repairs. Could the Hong Kong authorities take a leaf out of Japan’s book and be more responsible in protecting its population?
- Could Hong Kong adopt similar measures of requiring acoustic enclosures around work areas to save our ears from deafening jackhammers?
- Could the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) become a mandatory requirement for contractors to obtain a Government contract and repeat business?
- Could better dust abatement strategies be employed to minimize the impact on pedestrians, walking just inches away?
- Could a new type of noise-cancelling jackhammer be invented that could dramatically decrease noise pollution levels and achieve the same results?