Machinery use suspended after worker severs hand at Hong Kong recycling centre

Hong Kong authorities have issued a suspension notice to a contractor at a government-run recycling centre after a worker severed his palm while clearing debris from a wood-chipping machine.

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said on Saturday it was “highly concerned” about the incident, which occurred at around 2pm the day before at the Y·Park yard waste recycling centre in Tuen Mun.

The worker was trying to clear debris stuck in an operating wood chipper when his left palm was severed, the department said. He was taken to Tuen Mun Hospital for treatment.

The department said it had immediately sent staff to the hospital after the accident to check on the worker’s condition and provide help to family members.

It also notified the Labour Department and police.

After conducting an on-site inspection, Labour Department staff issued a suspension notice to the contractor. Under the notice, the contractor must cease operations of the relevant machinery until measures to improve safety are implemented.

According to the EPD’s website, the contractor for the site is Associated Engineers.