Hong Kong’s labor authorities are considering an appeal against “light” penalties imposed on contractors involved in industrial accidents, an official said after four fatal incidents occurred within a week.

Ho Kai-ming, undersecretary for labor and welfare, said on Wednesday the government was saddened by the spate of fatal cases, noting that investigations were ongoing and orders had been issued for construction sites to suspend operations.

“Some recent judgments were handed down with light sentences before the bill was passed,” Ho said, referring to cases sentenced before the law was amended to impose harsher sentences.

“We will discuss with the Department of Justice whether to appeal to help raise awareness of workplace safety through the court.”

He added that the appeal of the cases could mean that the site manager bears more responsibility.

The Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance requires employers to provide safe working environments for employees, and violators are liable to a maximum fine of HK$10 million (US$1.29 million) and two years in prison case of conviction.

The law was amended and came into effect last April, increasing the fine from HK$500,000.