Scaffolding worker pay likely to rise in Hong Kong amid roll-out of new mesh
City is expected to install new fire-tested plastic meshes at more than 200 buildings from next month
The wages of scaffolding workers in Hong Kong are likely to increase as plastic meshes that have passed a new mandatory fire safety test are expected to be installed at more than 200 buildings from next month, according to a construction industry representative.
But another construction industry leader said on Friday that the cost of scaffolding nets would not rise significantly due to collective bulk procurement.
Under the rules, contractors must prove that the scaffolding mesh being used is fire-retardant, with samples to be tested at designated laboratories upon arrival in the city.
The mesh can only be installed after all the samples have passed the laboratory tests, after the government earlier ordered scaffold netting to be removed at about 200 locations across Hong Kong over three days.
Substandard scaffolding mesh and foam boards were believed to have accelerated the spread of the fire at Wang Fuk Court, claiming at least 160 lives. The estate was under renovation at the time.