Worker Dies After Head Caught in Press Machine; Taichung City Orders Work Stoppage and Fines

A fatal industrial accident occurred at a metal processing factory in Taichung's Shengang District, where a worker's head was caught in a press machine during operation, resulting in death. The city's labor inspection authority has ordered the facility to halt operations and will impose penalties for violations of occupational safety laws.

📋 Article Processing Timeline

  • 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 18:11
  • 🔍 Collected: June 13, 2026 at 00:44 (6h 33m after Published)
  • 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 13, 2026 at 12:35 (11h 51m after Collected)
Central News Agency

(CNA reporter Chao Li-Yen, Taichung, June 12) A workplace accident occurred this afternoon at a metal processing manufacturing facility on Hemei Road in Shengang District, Taichung City. An employee operating a press machine suffered head injuries after being caught in the machinery and later died despite medical treatment. The city government's Labor Inspection Office has ordered the site to cease operations for improvements and will issue fines for violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

At 1:03 PM today, Taichung City Fire Department received a report about an injured worker at a metal processing factory on Hemei Road in Shengang District. The caller stated that one employee operating a press machine had suffered head injuries from being caught in the machine, with severe bleeding and no breathing or heartbeat. The fire department immediately dispatched personnel for emergency rescue and provided real-time guidance on DA-CPR and AED operation.

Upon arrival, rescue personnel found the victim without breathing or heartbeat, with an approximately 8-centimeter laceration on the head. After emergency treatment, the victim was transported to the hospital. The patient had no vital signs prior to arrival, and despite resuscitation efforts, was declared dead.

The Taichung City Government Labor Inspection Office released a written statement explaining that inspectors were dispatched to conduct an occupational injury investigation. The company was performing abnormality troubleshooting on a press machine used for metal water tanks, but failed to stop the machine’s operation. During the process, the switch was activated, causing the victim’s head to be caught in the press mold, resulting in fatal injuries and subsequent death despite medical intervention.

The Labor Inspection Office has ordered the site to cease operations for improvements. Violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act will result in fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$300,000. Depending on the severity of the violations, the case may also be referred to judicial authorities for further action. (Edited by Huang Ming-Hsi) 1150612

FAQ

What type of factory was involved in the incident?

A metal fabrication plant in Taichung's Shengang District specializing in press-forming metal water storage tanks.

What actions did the labor inspection authority take?

Conducted an on-site inspection, ordered immediate work stoppage, and will impose fines for safety violations.

What happened to the worker?

The worker suffered a fatal head injury during press machine troubleshooting, with an 8cm laceration and loss of vital signs before hospital arrival.

What are the penalties under Taiwan's OSH Act?

Violations can result in fines from NT$30,000 to NT$300,000, with possible referral to judicial authorities.

What follow-up measures are expected?

Industry-wide safety audits, increased adoption of automated safety systems, and stricter government inspections are anticipated.