Scrutiny pledged on high-risk maintenance work in Hong Kong after worker dies from falling platform at government-run sports centre
- Director of Architectural Services Edward Tse says he is saddened over death of man, 69, who was working on elevating platform at Kwai Chung sports centre
- He says his department will step up scrutiny of elevating platforms used in maintenance work and require contractors to do likewise
Hong Kong’s architectural authorities have pledged to immediately scrutinise high-risk maintenance work and step up inspections on the use of elevating platforms a day after a worker was killed by a falling structure at a government-run sports centre.
Director of Architectural Services Edward Tse Cheong-wo on Tuesday said he was deeply saddened by the death of the 69-year-old victim and had ordered the contractor involved to provide appropriate help to the worker’s family.
The department would increase scrutiny of the use of elevating platforms and require contractors to step up measures to ensure the safe use of such facilities, he added.
“The Architectural Services Department will also inspect high-risk maintenance works immediately to ensure their safety before proceeding with the work,” the agency said.
It added it had suspended the project involved in Monday’s accident, pending an investigation by the department and other relevant government units.
The case on Monday morning centred on an elevating platform that had tipped over and killed a worker while he was fixing a leak nine metres (30 feet) above the ground at the North Kwai Chung Tang Shiu Kin Sports Centre.
Police said an autopsy would be conducted on the man, who had about a decade of maintenance work experience. Two other workers at the site were not on the platform when the accident struck, the force added.
Louis Szeto Ka-sing, a former chairman of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers’ mechanical, marine, naval architecture and chemical division, said that given the platform was nine metres above ground, it could have easily fallen if its supporting legs were not extended properly.