An industrial accident occurred today (31st) at Kai Tak in Hong Kong. A 69-year-old male worker surnamed Tsang, while operating a paper compactor at a waste paper company in a factory unit on Kai De Street, had his right ring finger severed at the base by the machine. Despite the severe injury, he remained conscious and bleeding profusely. Observing the gruesome scene, fellow workers immediately alerted the police for assistance. Emergency services arrived and administered initial first aid to the injured worker, who also had one of his severed fingers placed in a body bag. The paramedics then transported him to Queen Mary Hospital for further treatment. The incident took place at 10:41 AM at a waste paper processing company located in Units 7-13, Kai De Street, Kai Tak. The worker was operating a paper compactor when his ring finger was accidentally sliced off as he was compressing paper. The factory staff promptly reported the incident to the police, who sealed off the machine for evidence collection and gathered information from other workers present. The case was categorized as an industrial accident. The Labour Department has informed the authorities and will conduct an investigation to determine the specific cause of the accident.
The accident underscores the inherent risks in industrial operations, particularly those involving machinery that can lead to severe injuries if not handled with proper caution and safety protocols. Such incidents are not uncommon in Hong Kong's industrial landscape, especially in sectors dealing with waste management and recycling. Employers in these industries must ensure stringent safety measures are in place to protect workers from injuries. The Labour Department will likely conduct a thorough review to identify any lapses in safety practices and recommend remedial actions to prevent similar accidents.