New Taipei City, April 14 (CNA) An industrial accident occurred at a construction site on Xinzhuang Road in Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City, today at around 4 PM. A worker was reportedly injured after being accidentally struck by an elevator counterweight during elevator construction and has been rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.

The Xinzhuang Precinct of the New Taipei City Police Department stated in a message that officers arrived at the scene to investigate. A 58-year-old man surnamed Chiu was suspected of being hit on the head by an elevator counterweight while performing elevator construction. He was unconscious when rescued and was transported to Taipei Hospital by firefighters for emergency treatment.

The police stated that a cordon has been set up for scene control, and preliminary evidence collection and investigation have been completed. Subsequent interviews will be conducted with the person in charge of the site and relevant personnel to clarify the cause of the accident and assign responsibility.

The New Taipei City Labor Inspection Office stated that upon receiving the report, personnel were dispatched to conduct an inspection. Preliminary investigation revealed that Mr. Chiu was engaged in elevator maintenance work in the machine pit. The accident occurred because machine operation signals were not pre-defined, and no dedicated person was assigned to direct the work, leading to Mr. Chiu being struck by a suddenly descending elevator counterweight and rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.

The Labor Inspection Office stated that to prevent the disaster from escalating, work at the site has been ordered to stop. Workers will not be allowed to resume related operations until the improvement plan has been approved. The Labor Inspection Office's preliminary judgment is that the employer is at fault. If confirmed, a fine of NT$30,000 to NT$300,000 may be imposed in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act. (Edited by Chang Ya-ching) 1150414

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  • Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
  • Category: Taiwan