Occupational Health and Safety Policy: Case Study of Hong Kong's New Liberal Policy System

Author: Chen Genjin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: This book employs a historical comparative method to compare the holistic case of Hong Kong's occupational health and safety policy system from 1947 to 1997 and the embedded case of Hong Kong's construction industry health and safety policy system. Through historical observation, it identifies the differences and consistencies between the holistic and embedded cases, and repeatedly examines and explains the historical development process and outcomes to establish general principles. The author concludes that if the Hong Kong government continues to adhere to the neoliberal operational model of occupational health and safety, it will be difficult to thoroughly address occupational injury and death issues. For domestic readers, this book holds greater reference value.
The weakness of the system theory comparison lies in its inability to adequately explain paradigm shifts within systems. However, it is evident that China's economic reforms represent a clear paradigm shift. Yet, why did China's mainland succeed, while Hong Kong's occupational health and safety policies remained firmly attached to the original neoliberal system for a long time? Specifically, this book explains why Hong Kong's working class, particularly construction workers, could continue to tolerate the existence of the neoliberal policy system despite high injury rates. Therefore, the practical insights presented in this book are highly worth.
Especially, Dr. Chen's rigorous academic approach and the extensive research materials collected leave a strong impression on readers: social and economic changes are shaped by institutional contexts; or, in other words, people's behavior is influenced by institutional principles, norms, and specific institutional arrangements. Thus, we can imagine that any paradigm shift is likely the result of immense political will and mobilization.