1st April 2023 – (Kaohsiung City) A construction company in southern Taiwan is facing fines of up to NT$300,000 (US$9,800) after a crane truck overturned at a construction site in Kaohsiung City’s Xiaogang District. The incident occurred on Thursday morning when a large crane was being used to hang steel bars at the site on Yongshun Street. According to Liberty Times, the crane suddenly overturned, causing the truck to lift off the ground and shatter a drain cover. Fortunately, no workers were injured in the accident.
The Kaohsiung City Labour Affairs Bureau quickly dispatched personnel to the scene to investigate the cause of the accident. Based on a preliminary investigation, it was determined that the vehicle’s outriggers had been placed on unstable ground with insufficient load-bearing capacity. In addition, the crew had failed to lay iron plates and pad reinforcements, which could have prevented the accident.
During the investigation, it was discovered that one of the crane’s outriggers had been placed on a drain cover, which subsequently collapsed. This caused the crane to become unstable as it was hoisting heavy steel bars, ultimately leading to its overturning. Thankfully, workers were able to move out of the way of the collapsing crane and avoid injury.
The Kaohsiung City Labor Affairs Bureau has stated that by failing to provide a solid foundation for the crane truck, the employer violated the Occupational Safety and Health Act. As a result, the construction company will be subject to a fine of between NT$30,000 and NT$300,000. The bureau has also called on all businesses to implement safe operation standards when engaging in operations to prevent accidents and ensure worker safety.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safe operations in the construction industry. With heavy machinery and equipment being used on a daily basis, it is essential that proper safety protocols are followed to prevent accidents and protect workers. By ensuring that a solid foundation is provided for equipment like crane trucks and laying iron plates and pad reinforcements, the risk of accidents can be greatly reduced.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act in Taiwan provides regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety of workers in various industries, including construction. It is the responsibility of employers to adhere to these regulations and implement safe operating procedures to prevent accidents from occurring. The Kaohsiung City Labor Affairs Bureau’s swift action in investigating this incident and imposing fines on the construction company shows their commitment to ensuring the safety of workers in the region.
