The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened at a building demolition site in Yuen Long this morning (November 5), in which a female worker was pressed by a collapsed perimeter wall. She was certified dead later in the hospital. The LD is saddened by the death of the worker and expresses its deepest sympathy to her 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 contractor concerned, suspending the demolition work. The contractor 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 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 ensure the safety of workers engaged in demolition work or those working nearby, the LD reminds employers to formulate proper and safe demolition methods, including providing suitable support to the structures being demolished or those affected by the demolition work to prevent them from accidental collapse; and to properly fence off the demolition work areas with suitable warning notices displayed to prevent any unauthorised entry of persons into dangerous areas. 

     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 today'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 concerned 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 should also 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/Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:46

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