The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened at a construction site in Yau Ma Tei yesterday afternoon (Dec. 28), in which a male worker was struck by a falling glass panel of curtain wall while it was being lifted with the use of a set of lifting equipment. He was certified dead later in hospital. The LD is saddened by the death of the worker and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family.
The LD's spokesman said, "We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending all curtain wall installation work of the construction site, including lifting and handling of glass panels. The contractors cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken."
To ensure the safety of workers in using lifting gear for lifting operations, the LD reminds employers to ensure that lifting gear is of good construction, sound material and adequate strength, and is free from patent defect. In addition, other than regular testing and thorough examination by a competent examiner, the lifting gear shall be inspected by a competent person before use on each occasion to ensure the lifting gear is in safe working order.
The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of HK$10 million and imprisonment for two years on conviction on indictment; or HK$3 million and imprisonment for six months on summary conviction.
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