Hong Kong authorities are investigating a tragic incident involving a 49-year-old non-ethnic Chinese worker who fell four to five stories from scaffolding at Stamford American School on October 13, 2024. The accident occurred around 11:38 AM while the worker was reportedly dismantling scaffolding. Despite using a safety belt, he sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at Kwong Wah Hospital shortly after the fall. The worker leaves behind a wife and two young children, adding a personal dimension to this workplace tragedy. [781d0268]
The Labour Department has launched an investigation into the incident, which is part of a broader concern regarding work-at-height safety in Hong Kong. In the first half of 2024 alone, the department conducted 1,123 inspections related to this issue, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by construction workers. Alarmingly, there were 61 deaths from industrial accidents reported in the first quarter of 2024, underscoring the urgent need for improved safety measures in the industry. [781d0268]
This incident at Stamford American School raises significant questions about workplace safety standards and the effectiveness of current regulations in preventing such tragedies. As investigations continue, the focus will likely be on the safety protocols in place and whether they were adequately followed during the dismantling of the scaffolding. [781d0268]