A u-bar which broke free from a crane crushed and killed a construction worker at the cement factory in Ka-Ho, Coloane on Christmas Day, a Judiciary Police (PJ) spokesperson said in a statement on Saturday.
According to the statement, the victim of the fatal accident was a 48-year-old male non-resident worker. The statement said that the u-bar was a part of a machine, which three construction workers were in charge of removing and replacing. The statement pointed out that the victim was responsible for ensuring that the u-bar was balanced while being lifted by a nylon strap that was attached to a crane, wheras the other two workers were in charge of using a forklift and the crane.
The statement said that the nylon strap broke and the u-bar, which weighed more than a tonne, crushed the victim’s stomach and broke them right side of his ribcage. The statement noted that the other workers immediately attached another nylon strap to the crane to lift up the u- bar and called the police. When the firefighters and police arrived at the scene, the victim was losing consciousness, and was rushed to the public Conde S. Januário Hospital Centre. However, the statement added, the victim passed away soon after.
The police pointed out that from the preliminary investigation, there was no evidence of criminal injury. The case has been transferred to the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) for further investigation.
The bureau released a statement on the day of the fatal accident to extend its deep condolences to the victim’s family. The statement also said that in order to increase awareness of safety hazards while operating a crane, the bureau is offering courses and booklets about the topic. The bureau said that it will continue to promote and educate people from the construction industry about work place safety.
This photo provided by the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) on Saturday shows its officials working at the scene of Christmas Day’s fatal industrial accident in Ka-Ho, Coloane.
