Hong Kong Authorities Launch Intensive Probe into Fatal Sai Kung Sewage Plant Accident
Hong Kong’s labour watchdogs have initiated a thorough investigation following a tragic industrial accident that claimed the life of a 49-year-old worker. The incident, which occurred at a sewage treatment plant in Wo Mei, Sai Kung, saw the man fatally strangled after his clothing became entangled in heavy machinery.
The unfortunate worker succumbed to his injuries at Tseung Kwan O Hospital on Saturday night, approximately ten hours after the accident took place in the basement of the plant that morning. According to the Labour Department, the man was operating a concrete core drilling machine when his clothes were caught, leading to his collapse.
Investigation Underway & Immediate Measures
In response to the tragedy, the Labour Department promptly launched an on-site investigation. Officials have already issued suspension notices to the contractor involved, explicitly prohibiting any further use of concrete core drilling machines at the site until safety assurances are met. A department spokesman affirmed that the employer is barred from resuming work processes with the equipment until authorities are fully satisfied that adequate measures have been implemented to mitigate all relevant risks.
Commitment to Justice and Safety
The investigation aims to swiftly ascertain the precise cause of this fatal accident, identify any parties liable for duty holder violations, and recommend concrete measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The department underscored its commitment to taking robust legal action should any breaches of work safety legislation be uncovered during the probe. This incident highlights the critical importance of stringent workplace safety protocols and vigilant oversight in industrial environments across Hong Kong.