Labour authorities have launched an investigation into a fatal industrial accident in Tai Po where a worker fell to his death from the third floor of a building while erecting a bamboo scaffold.

Police received a report at around 1.30pm on Tuesday that the 57-year-old man had plunged from support brackets onto the facade of a food factory on Dai Fu Street. He was rushed to hospital and was later certified dead.

"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 erection, alteration, dismantling and use of bamboo scaffolds on the external wall of the building," a Labour Department spokesperson said.

Maxim's Group, which operates the factory, confirmed that the man was a subcontracted worker and extended its condolences to the family of the deceased.

The Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims said it was deeply saddened, and urged frontline workers to ensure their own safety. It also called on employers to offer suitable equipment to protect those working at height.



Edited by Priscilla Ng