Construction worker, 53, dies after falling seven floors through Hong Kong lift shaft

A 53-year-old worker at a construction site fell seven floors to his death inside a lift shaft on Thursday, prompting Hong Kong authorities to launch an investigation into the incident.

Emergency personnel were called in at about 9.30am at the site on Middle Road in Tsim Sha Tsui.

The man was working inside the lift shaft on the seventh floor of the building at the time of the incident, according to police.

The worker was certified dead by paramedics at the scene and an initial investigation found nothing suspicious.

The Labour Department said it was saddened by the death and expressed its deepest condolences to the victim’s family.

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According to the department, the man was doing work on scaffolding inside the lift shaft when the incident happened.

“We commenced immediate on-site investigations as soon as we were notified of the accident and will issue suspension notices to the contractors involved over any work inside lift shafts at the site,” a spokesman said.

“The contractors cannot resume work until the Labour Department is satisfied that measures to abate the risk have been taken.”

He said the department sought to identify the cause of the accident and those responsible, as well as recommend improvement measures. It would also take legal action if any violation of work safety laws is found.

Legally, employers have to provide safe working environments and systems for their employees, the department said.

Those found in violation are liable to a maximum fine of HK$500,000 (US$64,000) and imprisonment of six months.