DSD deeply saddened by passing of two workers

     The Director of Drainage Services, Mr Ringo Mok, was deeply saddened by the passing of two workers in a work accident that happened during sewer cleaning works at Sha Tin today (April 23). The workers were certified dead after attempts at resuscitation. The Drainage Services Department (DSD) expressed deepest condolences to the deceased's families and is working with the contractor to provide immediate and appropriate assistance to the deceased's families.

     The two deceased persons, aged 26 and 34, were employed by a subcontractor responsible for term maintenance and a construction contract in Sha Tin District. Four workers were carrying out sewer cleaning works at Yuen Wo Playground, Sha Tin. According to the planned work procedure, the workers would carry out high-pressure cleaning of the sewer outside the manhole without entering it. The accident occurred at about 0.00am today (April 23) when two workers were found unconscious inside the manhole. Upon an attempted rescue, they were immediately sent to Prince of Wales Hospital and were certified dead after the attempted resuscitation. The other two workers were conscious when they were sent to the hospital.

     â€‹The DSD is investigating the cause of the incident and is rendering full assistance to the investigations by the Labour Department and the Police. The DSD always attaches great importance to construction site safety and requires contractors and subcontractors to strictly comply with relevant safety guidelines. After the accident, the DSD immediately requested the contractor and subcontractor to suspend relevant works and conduct safety inspections. All related works of the DSD have also been suspended until the DSD confirms that the contractors and their subcontractors have implemented all necessary measures to ensure work site safety.