【明報專訊】The government has proposed to amend laws concerning occupational safety and health (OSH). Employers whose gross disregard for consequences results in death or serious injury of workers will face a maximum fine of $10 million. In the Hong Kong-style capitalist society, labour rights lack reasonable protection in many aspects. On average, there is at least one case of death caused by industrial accidents each month. The penalties under the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance (OSHO) have not been adjusted for more than two decades. Even if there is evidence that a fatal accident involved the violation of regulations by the employer, usually the case is settled by merely fining the employer tens of thousands of dollars. As the penalties under current OSH laws are too light and lack deterrence, some employers are repeat offenders. The authorities' present move to increase the penalties is already long overdue. Raising the fines should only be the first step in enhancing occupational safety. In order to achieve a real deterrent effect, the government must also strengthen law enforcement and prosecution.