Combatting Dropped Objects: Hong Kong's Strategy for Safety

Does Hong Kong have legislation that punishes crimes involving objects dropped from height? How should incidents of objects falling from buildings in private estates, public housing estates, and public places be handled? What are common prevention measures for dropped object incidents? Let us explore the penalties, prevention, and handling methods for objects dropped from height, working together to safeguard a secure living space.

Penalties for Falling Object Accident

Parental Responsibility

If minors are responsible for dropping objects from height, parents might bear legal or civil responsibilities. To prevent such incidents, parents should implement measures, such as installing window guards or locks, to keep children safe.

Accidents During Renovation

Renovation companies and property owners are also liable for objects dropped from height during exterior wall projects. When choosing a renovation company, it is essential to ensure they have the relevant qualifications and licenses and have purchased appropriate insurance.

Penalties for Objects Dropped from Buildings

Under the Summary Offences Ordinance (Chapter 228) Section 4B, it is a criminal offense for anyone to drop any object from a building, or allow any object to fall from a building, that endangers or injures people in or near public places, punishable by a fine of 10,000 Hong Kong dollars and imprisonment for 6 months.

Public Housing Dropped Object Point Deduction System

The problem of objects falling from buildings is particularly severe in public housing, prompting the government to adopt a "Marking Scheme for Estate Management Enforcement" for such violations.

The Housing Authority's Estate Management Enforcement Marking Scheme organizes tenant infractions into four distinct severity levels, ranging from A to D, with corresponding points deducted for each violation.

Falling object incidents contributing solely to environmental pollution, without posing a direct threat to human safety, are designated as Category C offenses. Such offenses lead to a deduction of 7 points. In contrast, actions involving the dropping of heavy or sharp objects that could potentially cause harm to individuals are classified under the most serious category, Category D. These violations incur a significant penalty of 15 points and possible immediate termination of the lease.

Falling Object Hazard and Penalties

In December 2023, at Ming Star House in Kin Ming Estate, Tseung Kwan O, a resident dangerously dropped kitchen waste and glassware from height during kindergarten dismissal time, posing a significant risk to pedestrians below. Despite this hazardous behavior continuing for over a year without anyone bringing the perpetrator to justice, the community felt uneasy.

The Housing Department, expressing extreme concern, identified the tenant's act of dropping objects from height twice at different times through the dropped object monitoring system, deducted a full 16 points, and decided to terminate the lease. This severe punishment under the Estate Management Point Deduction System shows a zero-tolerance stance towards violations.

Not only did the tenant's behavior violate public housing management regulations, but it also breached the law. Dropping objects from height in Hong Kong is a prosecutable offense, punishable by a fine of 10,000 Hong Kong dollars and imprisonment for 6 months. Through this case, the Housing Department issued a stern warning to all tenants: the consequences of dropping objects from height are severe, and for the safety of oneself and others, one should not test the law.

Hong Kong Object Fall Safety and Prevention Measures

Dropped objects from height not only jeopardize public safety but also contravene Hong Kong law. Tackling this issue requires the collective effort of society.

Dropped Object Handling Guide

• Private Estates - Estate Management Office: If an incident of dropped objects occurs in a private estate, the first step should be to contact the estate management office. Most estates have management offices where residents can directly report incidents or by phone, providing the incident's time, location, and possible evidence (like photos or videos) to facilitate complaint resolution.
• Public Places - Hong Kong Police: If the incident poses a public safety threat or occurs in a public place, dial 999 immediately. The police will take action based on the situation, conducting investigations and collecting evidence.
• Public Housing Estates - Hong Kong Housing Authority: Public housing residents facing issues with dropped objects can directly complain to the Housing Authority. Successful case management often involves quick response, effective evidence collection, and inter-departmental cooperation. For instance, behavior evidence captured by surveillance systems, along with eyewitness testimony, can help the management or police quickly identify violators and take appropriate legal actions.

Falling Objects Control Measures

1. Install Protective Devices: Residents can install protective nets on windows to prevent accidental dropping of objects.

2. Community Education: Estate management offices and schools should intensify their efforts to educate about the hazards of dropped objects, raising awareness of safety among residents and students.

3. Legal Awareness: Understanding the legal implications under the Summary Offences Ordinance, where violators of dropped object safety could face up to a 10,000 Hong Kong dollar fine and 6 months imprisonment, is crucial in raising public awareness about the consequences of such actions.

4. Enhanced Surveillance: Estate management should install surveillance cameras in high-risk areas to prevent and record incidents of falling objects, providing video evidence for investigation and evidence collection. In public housing areas, the Housing Department has deployed a 'Dropped Object Monitoring System' capable of automatically detecting and promptly alerting staff to potential dropped object incidents for rapid response.

LetsGetHome: Safeguarding Our Hong Kong Together

Dropping objects from heights in Hong Kong not only endangers public safety but also leads to severe legal consequences. It's every Hong Kong resident's duty to protect our shared environment. This piece explores the issue of high-altitude littering, including the public housing deduction system and case studies, and offers practical prevention and handling tips. Our goal is to unite in maintaining a safe living space.

Looking for a new home or planning to rent out your property? LetsGetHome is the ideal platform, offering a transparent, fair rental experience with options for commission-free listings or paid agency services.