​The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened in the vicinity of a monastery in Tuen Mun yesterday (October 29), in which a male worker was gashed by an electric chainsaw while pruning trees. He was certified dead later at the scene. The LD is saddened by 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 a suspension notice to the employer concerned, suspending the use of electric chainsaws for tree-related work. The employer 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 holder and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation."

     To prevent employees from being injured while operating electric chainsaws, the LD reminds employers to provide relevant employees with suitable personal protective equipment (including protective clothing, safety boots, protective gloves, safety helmets, eye protectors and ear protectors) as well as adequate information, instruction, training and supervision for the safe operation of electric chainsaws. 

     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 the 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 shall also co-operate with their employers to adopt all safety measures, refrain from wearing loose clothing and use provided personal protective equipment properly while operating electric chainsaws to avoid endangering their own safety and that of other workers.

Ends/Thursday, October 30, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:05

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