A serious industrial accident at the Sai Kung Wo Mei Sewage Treatment Plant construction site has resulted in the death of a 49-year-old contractor, prompting an immediate halt to work and launching a safety investigation. The worker, identified only by the surname Tam, was found unconscious late Saturday morning while installing electrical and mechanical equipment.
The incident occurred just after 10 a.m. Saturday, November 22nd, when Mr. Tam was reportedly discovered collapsed. Preliminary observations suggest his clothing may have become entangled in an operating power drill, subsequently tightening around his neck. He was rushed to Tseung Kwan O Hospital but succumbed to his injuries later that evening, around 8 p.m.
Swift Action Follows Tragedy
Following the fatality, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) expressed profound sympathies and ordered an immediate cessation of all related work. Alfred Mok Wing-cheong, Director of Drainage Services, conveyed deep sorrow over the loss of the contractor’s employee and extended condolences to the deceased’s family. The DSD has mandated that the principal contractor provide comprehensive support to the family during this difficult time.
The department emphasized that it has demanded both the main contractor and all subcontractors immediately cease operations and conduct thorough safety audits across the site. Furthermore, the contractor has been ordered to conduct an in-depth investigation into the precise sequence of events leading to the fatal accident.
“We are fully cooperating with relevant government departments to ensure a complete and impartial inquiry into this tragedy,” a DSD spokesperson confirmed.
Focus on Workplace Safety Protocol
Industrial safety advocates, including the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims (ARIAV), have called for a comprehensive, transparent investigation into the firm’s safety protocols regarding machinery use and worker attire. Workplace safety standards universally caution against wearing loose clothing or jewelry near rotating machinery due to the extreme risk of entanglement and severe injury.
This incident underscores the continuous challenge of maintaining stringent safety practices on large infrastructure projects. Construction sites, particularly those involving specialized mechanical and electrical installations, present inherent risks that require meticulous adherence to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines and mandatory safety briefings.
Preventing Future Entanglements
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with powerful industrial equipment. Experts often stress layered defenses to prevent similar accidents:
- Engineering Controls: Ensuring all rotating parts are fully guarded and interlocked.
- Administrative Controls: Implementing clear protocols for equipment operation, mandatory shutoffs during maintenance, and comprehensive training.
- Behavioral Controls: Strictly enforcing rules against loose-fitting clothing, ties, or unconstrained hair near moving parts.
The government investigation is expected to focus on whether standard operating procedures were followed, the condition of the equipment involved, and the adequacy of on-site supervision and safety training provided to the workers handling electromechanical installations. The findings will likely result in updated safety mandates for similar government infrastructure projects moving forward, aiming to prevent entanglement hazards that tragically claimed the life of the worker in Sai Kung.
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