Safety Alert: Step Platforms Recommended by NGO After Fatal Fall in Hong Kong
A tragic incident has shaken the construction industry in Hong Kong, prompting a safety alert from a local NGO. The incident involved a 58-year-old male worker who fell from a wooden ladder while installing an air-conditioner at a house on Jardine’s Lookout. The worker was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead, leaving behind a devastated family.
The Call for Change
In the aftermath of this fatal accident, the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims has urged workers to prioritize safety by using step platforms instead of traditional wooden ladders. According to Fay Siu, the chief executive of the association, step platforms are a safer alternative for any work above ground. However, she noted that these platforms are commonly used only in large-scale construction sites, while wooden ladders remain prevalent in smaller projects, posing a significant risk to workers’ safety.
The Need for Action
The Labour Department has issued suspension notices to the contractors involved in the incident and has initiated an investigation into the circumstances leading to the worker’s death. The department emphasized the importance of providing appropriate working platforms or other safe means of support, such as step platforms or hop-up platforms, in line with international or national standards. This safety measure aims to prevent similar tragedies in the future and protect workers from harm.
A Personal Tragedy
The deceased worker, described as a dedicated breadwinner for his family, leaves behind a wife and a daughter who is a third-year university student. The family now faces financial uncertainty and emotional distress following the loss of their loved one. The Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims has stepped in to offer support to the grieving family, highlighting the human cost of workplace accidents and the urgent need for improved safety measures.
As the community mourns this loss, it is crucial for authorities, contractors, and workers to prioritize safety above all else. By heeding the NGO’s recommendation to use step platforms and implementing stricter safety regulations, we can prevent future tragedies and ensure that every worker returns home safely at the end of the day. Let us honor the memory of the fallen worker by taking concrete steps to protect the lives and well-being of those who build our city.
