The Labour Department launched a prosecution against Yau Kwong Electricians, Plumbers and Drainage Company Limited for failing to pay compensation within a prescribed period after the issue of the Certificate of Compensation Assessment for Fatal Case by the Commissioner for Labour, in violation of the Employees' Compensation Ordinance (ECO). The employer was convicted at Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (December 7) and fined a total of $60,000.
On June 23, 2016, a plumber fell from a wooden ladder to the ground while working. He was sent to hospital for medical treatment but died on June 25, 2016. His employer failed to pay compensation to the eligible members of his family within the prescribed period under the ECO.
​Section 6D(1) of the ECO stipulates that an employer shall pay compensation not earlier than 42 days but not later than 49 days after the date of issue of the Certificate by the Commissioner for Labour. An employer who, without reasonable excuse, contravenes the above provision is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 on conviction.
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