A construction worker in Sai Kung sustained injuries Friday morning after his clothing reportedly snagged in machinery while working inside a sewage infrastructure facility. The 49-year-old man, identified by the surname Tam, lost consciousness during the incident and was extracted by emergency services before being rushed to Tseung Kwan O Hospital. He has since regained consciousness and is no longer in critical condition.
The accident occurred around 10:16 a.m. on Heung Chung Road, Sai Kung, at a site related to the Drainage Services Department’s (DSD) village sewerage project. Initial reports suggest Tam was operating a drilling machine from within the manhole structure at a height of approximately two meters when his sleeve became entangled, pulling in his upper garment. Colleagues discovered him unconscious with facial discoloration and immediately raised the alarm.
Workplace Safety Concerns Under Scrutiny
The severity of the incident highlights persistent concerns regarding safety protocols in high-risk construction environments. Fay Siu, chief executive of the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims, confirmed the worker was coring a concrete wall when the machinery allegedly caught his clothing, resulting in strangulation injuries to the neck. Following treatment, Tam was transferred to a general ward, indicating his condition has stabilized.
The location is connected to the DSD’s ongoing Provision of Village Sewerage in Sai Kung initiative. This substantial infrastructure project, which began in 2020 through an agreement with an engineering group, represents an investment of roughly HK$800 million over a 48-month contract period.
Separately, the DSD provided an update social media addressing the incident, noting it occurred at a construction site for a sewage treatment facility in Wo Mei, Sai Kung. According to the department, the worker—described as being in his 40s—was installing electrical and mechanical (E&M) equipment within the facility’s B1 basement level. The main structure of the facility was recently completed, and wastewater treatment procedures are not yet operational, as installation and testing are still underway.
Investigation Into Incident Cause
The DSD emphasized that, based on their preliminary risk assessment, the specific area where the incident occurred was not classified as a confined space. Both the DSD and the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims are calling for a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident, particularly focusing on the machinery involved and whether safety clearances were maintained.
A departmental engineering team is visiting the patient at Tseung Kwan O Hospital to provide assistance and initiate their internal inquiry. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the latent dangers inherent in construction work, especially those involving powered tools and confined or semi-confined spaces, even when protocols are in place.
Safety Recommendations for On-Site Workers:
Construction site managers and workers should strictly adhere to guidelines concerning clothing and machinery operation to prevent similar accidents. Key preventative measures include:
- Securing Loose Clothing: Ensure all garments, particularly sleeves, are secured and cannot snag on moving parts.
- Machine Guards: Always check that machinery guards are properly installed and functioning before operation.
- Emergency Stop Training: All personnel must be familiar with the location and operation of emergency stop switches on all equipment.
- Regular Risk Assessments: Consistent re-evaluation of tasks, especially those involving drilling or rotating machinery, is essential.
As the investigation continues, authorities look to ensure contractor compliance and worker protection, preventing future safety lapses in high-stakes public infrastructure projects.