Labour Department highly concerned about recent fatal accidents involving workers falling through floor openings
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A spokesman for the LD said today (July 8), "Along with the accident yesterday (July 7), there have been a few fatal accidents involving workers falling through floor openings at construction sites. The situation is a cause for concern." Up to now, investigations have revealed that the accidents mainly involved insufficient protection measures at floor openings, including the absence of suitable guard rails, uncovered openings or covering without sound construction, etc.
The LD is stepping up inspection of multi-storey buildings under construction and building demolition sites, targeting whether the floor openings are properly fenced off. The LD will take vigorous enforcement action without prior warning, including issuing suspension notices and initiating prosecutions as appropriate.
The spokesman said, "According to Regulation 38B of the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations, the contractors responsible for construction sites shall prevent any person from falling through floor openings from a height of 2 metres or more. The contractors shall provide guard rails, barriers, toe boards or fences for edges of openings or provide coverings for openings."
The spokesman added, "Top and intermediate guard rails are required for edges of openings. The height of the top guard rail above the surface of the floor opening shall be between 900 millimetres and 1 150mm, while the height of the intermediate guard rail shall be between 450mm and 600mm. The height of a toe board shall not be less than 200mm. If coverings are to be provided for floor openings, every covering provided shall be so constructed to prevent the falling of persons, materials and articles, and the covering shall be clearly and boldly marked so as to show its purpose or be securely fixed in position." Those who contravene the above provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for 12 months.
In addition, under the general duty provisions of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance (Cap. 59), a proprietor shall ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of all persons employed by him or her. Those who contravene the above provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for six months.
Furthermore, the LD will meet with the industry next week, urging the relevant stakeholders to take effective measures to prevent accidents and to observe the safety requirements for floor openings. The LD also appeals to construction workers to make use of the LD's complaint hotline on 2542 2172 or make reports to the LD through its online occupational safety and health complaint platform if they find any unsafe floor openings, so that the LD can follow up promptly.
Ends/Friday, July 8, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:33
Issued at HKT 19:33
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