The Drainage Services Department (DSD) has completed the investigation into the fatal incident occurred at a sewer manhole at Yuen Wo Road, Sha Tin. DSD will take strict disciplinary actions against the main contractor, Shun Yuen Construction Co. Ltd., which was found to have committed a number of serious mistakes.
Announcing the investigation findings today (August 11), Assistant Director of Drainage Services, Mr Chow Man-tat, said that Shun Yuen Construction Co., Ltd. sub-let the works without permission. There was a second layer of subcontractor instead of only one as reported by the company in the Subcontractor Management Plan.
Mr Chow said, "The main contractor's blatant violation of contract provisions and the associated safety regulations has brought about the fatal incident. This is totally unacceptable."
Secondly, the main contractor conducted works outside the intended works site area without permission. This is also a violation of contractual conditions.
Thirdly, the main contractor failed to take the necessary precautionary measures to protect the workers and caused the death of two workers. A Panel of Enquiry of the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau may, according to the current regulatory procedures, remove the company from the approved list of contractors.
Mr Chow said that the three mistakes committed by Shun Yuen Construction Co., Ltd. were extremely serious. DSD will ensure that strong disciplinary actions appropriate to the offence are taken against the contractor. Besides, as in the case of other serious industrial accidents, the Labour Department is conducting an intensive investigation into the cause of this incident. If there is evidence that the contractor(s) have committed any offence against the safety and health laws, the Labour Department will prosecute the concerned contractors.
Mr Chow said, "In fact, the tragedy can be avoided. According to DSD's Works Order, the contractor is required to repair a two-metre section of a damaged 675-mm diameter sewer at the junction of Yuen Wo Road and Fo Tan Road, Sha Tin. This Works Order includes the repair of the damaged sewer by open trench method. No confined space work is anticipated."
In accordance with the contract with Shun Yuen Construction Co. Ltd., any works involving entry into confined space shall only be carried out in the presence of the DSD's site supervisory staff for supervision. At the same time, the Contractor's Safety Officer should be present on site until works are completed.
The contractor has never informed DSD about the change of working method and the need of entering into a manhole. Had the contractor informed DSD of his intention to enter a confined space, DSD would have required the contractor to duly comply with all relevant statutory and contractual requirements including the completion of a risk assessment on hazard identification and risk control by a 'competent person', the issue of the permit-to-work by a responsible person and the provision of adequate safety equipment before entry into the confined space.
In the light of the investigation findings, DSD would take the following preliminary actions:
（1） Remove the responsible sub-contractor, Sino Wealth Engineering Co. Ltd. off site immediately.
（2） Require the main contractor to submit an improvement proposal on how to improve risk assessment process on hazard identification and risk control, and the standard of inspections and supervision to upgrade the site safety performance.
（3） Require all other main contractors to provide details of their sub-contractors' management plans.
（4） Step up existing safety precautionary measures:
(i) remind all DSD staff, contractors and consultants to re-check the details of the "Certified Workers" to confined space.
(ii) arrange extra refresher courses for all site staff in collaboration with the Labour Department.
(iii) prepare Q-card and pamphlets for frontline staff to raise their awareness of the safety measures for working in confined space.
The incident occurred on August 1 around 9.30 am. The Police received a report of two DSD's workers missing at Sha Tin Sports Ground. The Fire Services Department later rescued the two workers from a sewer manhole. They were both taken to the Prince of Wales Hospital and were later certified dead.
Mr Chow described the incident as unfortunate and sent his deepest condolence to the families of the deceased. He added that DSD had contacted the families on the day of the incident and held a meeting with the contractor and the families to discuss the funeral arrangements and related matters.
"Members of our directorate met with the families and understood that they were satisfied with the arrangements. We shall follow up with the contractor to ensure that all the agreed arrangements are fully carried out," said Mr Chow.
Ends/Friday, August 11, 2006
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