Hong Kong authorities launch probe into fatal industrial accident at sewage plant
Worker was operating concrete core drilling machine when his clothing became caught and strangled him
Hong Kong labour authorities have launched an investigation into the death of a 49-year-old worker who was strangled by his clothing when it became caught in a machine.
The Labour Department announced the inquiry on Sunday following the man’s death at Tseung Kwan O Hospital the night before, 10 hours after he collapsed in the basement of a sewage treatment plant in Wo Mei, Sai Kung.
According to the department, the worker’s clothes became caught in a concrete core drilling machine he was operating.
A spokesman said the department had launched an on-site investigation and issued suspension notices to the contractor involved, prohibiting the use of concrete core drilling machines at the site.
“The employer cannot resume the work process until the department is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken,” he said.
“We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation.”