In a somber court hearing on December 11, Wong Ser Yong, a 34-year-old Malaysian lift technician, was sentenced on December 11 to five months in jail for his negligence, which contributed to the tragic death of Mr Hossain Mohammad Sahid, a 29-year-old migrant construction worker from Bangladesh working in Singapore.
The incident unfolded in a lift shaft, highlighting lapses in workplace safety that led to a construction worker’s fatal injuries, according to Channel NewsAsia.
The Tragic Incident Unfolds
Wong was employed as a lift technician for TK Elevator, tasked with repairing loose panels in the interior of a passenger lift at a seven-storey building on 450 North Bridge Road.
The managing agent hired TK Elevator, who, in turn, enlisted the services of Decor Engineering, a lift contractor registered with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), to perform the repair works.
Mr Hossain, a 29-year-old construction worker employed by Decor Engineering, was assigned to tighten the loose interior panels along with a colleague. Wong’s responsibility was to provide access to the work area and control the lift’s positioning. Unfortunately, a series of negligent acts and oversights led to a disastrous sequence of events.
Chain of Negligence
Upon arriving at the lift lobby on the second floor, Wong claimed that the lift was in “Inspection” mode. However, he discovered a faulty “up” button on the control box, signaling a potential hazard.
Mr Hossain suggested a workaround, proposing to control the lift through mobile phones. Despite the faulty button and a lack of proper analysis, Wong agreed. However, miscommunication ensued, leading to an unintentional activation of the lift in “Normal” mode.
The lift, positioned between the first and second levels, ascended automatically. Wong, realizing the perilous situation, shut down the power. Tragically, Mr Hossain’s left arm became trapped between the lift’s guide rail bracket and the edge of the lift car.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) initiated a rescue operation, but the confined space impeded their efforts. Despite considering various options, including amputation, Mr Hossain succumbed to his injuries, dying at the scene.
Wong’s Failures and Legal Consequences
The court highlighted Wong’s failures, emphasizing his duty to handle all lift operations. He neglected to conduct a job hazard analysis, a standard safety procedure. Moreover, Wong lacked awareness of Mr Hossain’s working method.
Wong’s failure to address the faulty button before proceeding with the repair and leaving Mr Hossain alone atop the lift car violated safety requirements. Only trained lift technicians were permitted to handle lift operations for the contractor, and Wong’s lapses proved fatal.
Acknowledging his negligent acts’ contribution to Mr Hossain’s death, Wong pleaded guilty to one count under the Workplace Safety and Health Act.
Implications and Lessons Learned
The case underscores the critical importance of adhering to workplace safety protocols and the severe consequences that can arise from negligence. Employers, especially in high-risk industries, must prioritize comprehensive training and procedural compliance.
The legal repercussions faced by Wong serve as a stark reminder of the accountability individuals bear for their actions in the workplace. Neglecting safety procedures can lead not only to legal consequences but, more importantly, tragic loss of life.
In the wake of this heartbreaking incident, authorities hope to reinforce the significance of strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent future workplace tragedies.