Gov’t suspends contractors from tendering following fatal Sha Tin incident

Future and tender exercises that are not yet completed are covered by the suspension.

The Development Bureau has barred the contractors involved in the fatal incident in Sha Tin from tendering for public works contracts in the roads and drainage category with immediate effect.

Authorities issued the  notifications on 23 April. It covers future tender exercises and those with initiated procedures but not yet concluded.

The incident that happened on 22 April killed two workers and injured two others. 

The contractors were ordered to review their safety management system.

 From this, they should submit and implement their improvement action plan before authorities consider the lifting of the suspension.

A separate investigation is being conducted by the government. 

Additional actions may be imposed depending on the results, including extending the suspension, and even removal from the list of approved contractors.

The Labour Department has also launched a probe and issued suspension notices to the contractors to bar them from conducting drainage works at the manholes and the vicinity.

They cannot resume work until the department is satisfied with measures taken to lessen the risk.

Authorities reminded the employer of its liability to compensate the employees under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees’ compensation, and closely follow up on the case.

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