Worker Falls During Scaffolding Dismantling in Kaohsiung; Labor Bureau Orders Shutdown and Fines

(Central News Agency reporter Zhang Yilian, Kaohsiung, 7th) A worker surnamed Hsueh today fell from the 17th floor to the 6th floor while dismantling scaffolding at a construction site in Kaohsiung. Hsueh sustained multiple lacerations to his head and is being treated in hospital. The Kaohsiung City Labor Bureau has ordered a work stoppage at the site, and a preliminary investigation indicates the employer violated the law, leading to a fine.

According to police from the Kaohsiung City Police Department's Xinxing Precinct, the approximately 30-year-old Hsueh was dismantling scaffolding at a new building construction site on Minsheng 1st Road in the Cianjin District around 2:50 PM when he accidentally fell from the 17th floor to the 6th floor.

The Kaohsiung City Fire Bureau stated that the victim was unconscious with multiple lacerations to his head. Firefighters provided on-site treatment and transported the patient to a hospital.

The Kaohsiung City Labor Bureau stated that after an inspection by its Labor Inspection Office, a preliminary investigation found that the employer failed to install required fall prevention equipment while having workers perform high-altitude scaffolding dismantling work, which caused the accident.

The Kaohsiung City Labor Bureau said the Labor Inspection Office has ordered a work stoppage at the site. The employer violated Article 6, Paragraph 1 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and can be fined up to NT$300,000.

The Kaohsiung City Labor Bureau added that it has assigned personnel to assist the victim and his family with follow-up medical treatment and to ensure their rights to occupational accident compensation. It also urged all construction sites to install fall prevention measures for work at heights of 2 meters or more where there is a risk of falling, and to ensure workers correctly use safety helmets and harnesses. (Editor: Lin Shuhui) 1150607