Legislative Council Members and Kwai Tsing District Council members visit proposed lift and pedestrian walkway system between Lai King Hill Road and Lai Cho Road
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council (LegCo) Members and Kwai Tsing District Council (DC) members inspected the proposed lift and pedestrian walkway system between Lai King Hill Road and Lai Cho Road, Kwai Chung today (July 4) to follow up on the issue of enhancing barrier-free facilities in the district, which was raised at the meeting held in LegCo by both sides on May 23 this year.
LegCo Members first received a briefing by representatives of the Highways Department on the plans for the proposed lift and pedestrian walkway system between Lai King Hill Road and Lai Cho Road, including demolition of existing slopes, construction of a covered walkway and a lift tower with two elevators, as well as ancillary environmental beautification and drainage works.
LegCo Members then walked from Lai King Hill Road footbridge to Lai Cho Road to experience walking the long staircase connecting the two locations and inspect the surrounding conditions. Members also exchanged views with Kwai Tsing DC members and representatives of the Administration on the related works. Members urged the Administration to submit the funding proposal for the works as soon as possible, and enhance the speed and efficiency for early completion of the project, so as to facilitate the daily travel of the residents.
Members who participated in the visit were Dr Junius Ho, Dr Chan Han-pan, Dr Lo Wai-kwok, Mr Chan Yung, Ms Joephy Chan and Dr So Cheung-wing.
Legislative Council Members and Kwai Tsing District Council members visit proposed lift and pedestrian walkway system between Lai King Hill Road and Lai Cho Road Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Legislative Council Members and Kwai Tsing District Council members visit proposed lift and pedestrian walkway system between Lai King Hill Road and Lai Cho Road Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Legislative Council Members and Kwai Tsing District Council members visit proposed lift and pedestrian walkway system between Lai King Hill Road and Lai Cho Road Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Kai Tak today
The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened at a construction site in Kai Tak this afternoon (January 12). While a male worker was detaching the lifting gear connected to the top of a water tank, the water tank displaced suddenly, trapping the worker between the water tank and a bored pile casing nearby. He was certified dead later in hospital. The LD is saddened by the death of the worker and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family.
The LD's spokesman said, "We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and have issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending the use of mobile cranes for lifting operation at site concerned. The contractors cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken."
The spokesman added, "We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation."
To prevent workers from being struck or trapped by loads when engaged in unrigging process, the LD reminds employers to (i) ensure that the place supporting the loads is secure; and (ii) formulate proper unrigging methods for detaching lifting gear so as to prevent displacement of the objects in the course of unrigging operations.
The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.
In regard to today's accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application "OSH 2.0", website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers' unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.
The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees' compensation under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees' compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.
For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.
Source: AI-found images
