A worker has fallen to his death from a building while dismantling bamboo scaffolding in Hong Kong.
The man, 44, was found unconscious on a concrete canopy at the 11-storey Tung Nam Factory Building in To Kwa Wan at around 2pm on Tuesday.
His colleagues called emergency services. Firefighters used a hydraulic platform to get to the man and paramedics rushed him to Kwong Wah Hospital in Yau Ma Tei for emergency treatment, but he was pronounced dead.
A male pedestrian said he heard a loud “bang” as the worker landed on the awning below, adding that he saw no safety ropes on the worker during the rescue.
The union reiterated its call for all construction workers to use proper safety gear to prevent similar tragedies.
This tragic incident highlights the critical importance of safety protocols and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in scaffolding and construction work.
Falls from height are one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in the industry, and wearing essential PPE like a full-body harness and connecting it securely to an anchor point can prevent such devastating outcomes. Safety measures, including the use of harnesses, helmets, and safety ropes, are designed to protect lives.
Each piece of PPE plays a vital role in ensuring workers are secure while performing tasks at height, and thorough adherence to these safety standards can mean the difference between life and death. This accident is a stark reminder that no task should ever be done without the right equipment and precautions in place.
But also the need to adopt safer, more modern scaffolding systems.
Traditional bamboo scaffolding, though commonly used in certain regions, lacks the safety features available in modern, metal scaffolding systems, which are often equipped with standardized fittings and enhanced stability.
Modern scaffolding technology, combined with essential PPE like harnesses and safety ropes, significantly reduces the risk of falls and accidents, ultimately saving lives and providing a safer work environment.
Modern scaffolding technology not only brings enhanced safety features but also aligns with structured training schemes like the CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) to promote both safety and productivity.
