The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened at a construction site in Southern District yesterday afternoon (July 27), in which a male worker was trapped to death by a descending lift car while carrying out lift testing work inside a lift shaft. 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 have issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending lift work inside the connected lift shafts. The contractors cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken."

     The spokesman added, "We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the relevant duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation."

     To protect the work safety of workers inside lift shafts, the LD reminds contractors/employers to take suitable safety measures, including activating stopping devices located near the landing door and at the lift pit to ensure that the lift car is not in motion when workers enter the lift shaft; ensuring all workers and supervisors involved clearly understand the working procedures and safety precautions; as well as maintaining effective communication among the workers working at different locations and supervisors involved at all times to ensure that relevant procedures and safety measures are fully implemented.

     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 $10 million and imprisonment for two years.

     In regard to yesterday's accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application "OSH 2.0", website and email, giving a brief account of the accident to duty holders, workers' unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.

     The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees' compensation under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees' compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.

     For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.

Ends/Monday, July 28, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:25

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