Death of 2 Hong Kong sewer workers triggers renewed calls for action to plug safety gaps on sites
- Two workers, aged 26 and 34, killed after suspected exposure to toxic gas hydrogen sulphide while working in a manhole
- Concern group urges government to make it compulsory under revised code for contractors to submit work reports in advance to ensure inspections can be carried out
Hong Kong unions and concern groups have accused government departments of failing to take timely action to prevent fatal industrial accidents before a revised safety code for working in confined spaces is launched, with at least seven workers killed in less than three years in similar cases.
They urged authorities to plug gaps in supervision at construction sites and make immediate improvements, including requiring contractors to report details of work content, dates and safety plans in advance under the revised code, to ensure inspections would be carried out.
The renewed calls for better protection followed the death of two sewer workers who were suspected to have been exposed to the toxic gas hydrogen sulphide while working in a manhole.
“Sadly, a serious incident has happened again before the revised code has been implemented,” the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims said on Tuesday.
“We are very angry about the frequent occurrence of fatal incidents in confined spaces.”
The two men, aged 26 and 34, were found unconscious inside a four-metre-deep (13 feet) manhole. The pair were cleaning drains at Yuen Wo Playground in Sha Tin with two other colleagues.