Published on ShanghaiDaily.com (http://www.shanghaidaily.com/)
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200811/20081118/article_381079.htm
Workers complain about poor safety at tunnel collapse site
Created: 2008-11-18 11:19:58
Author:Yang Lifei
CONSTRUCTION workers who survived a deadly subway tunnel collapse complained about poor safety measures while prosecutors in Hangzhou City have started an investigation into the accident that killed seven people and left 14 others missing.
China News Service reported that survivors have complained about lax safety and many said they would return to their hometowns once they wages are paid.
Zhang Xiaohua from Ji’an, Jiangxi Province, was among those to express dismay about the site’s lack of safety precautions.
``The only safety measure in place is the helmet we wear. We are not required to register when going to or off work,’’ Zhang told the Website. ``There is no escape passage underground except a steel ladder.’’
A worker surnamed He from Henan Province told China News Service that they had noticed the lack of safety measures prior to the accident.
``We never had any safety training and the company did not buy life insurance for us,’’ he was quoted as saying.
He was working on ground reinforcements when the collapse occurred.
``I only saw clouds of heavy smog and I could not open my eyes. I was extremely scared then.’’
He added that he would leave the city with his fellow townsmen since ``the construction site is too dangerous.’’
Worker Ji Yongping, a native of Wenzhou, Jiangxi Province, told the Website he would rather earn a living as a beggar than do this job again.
``So many people are dead. How can I continue to work here?’’ he was quoted as saying. ``Construction workers are only paid at the end of each year. I am waiting for my money and will immediately go back home after getting paid.’’
Fang Richeng from Chun’an, Zhejiang, told the Website: ``The job on the subway construction site enables me to earn five more yuan (US$0.7) per day than building houses. I had expected to make more money, but this tragedy occurred only one month after I came to work here.’’
Meanwhile, officials from Hangzhou’s Xiaoshan District Prosecutors Office arrived at the caved-in construction site at Fengqing Avenue on Saturday afternoon and their investigation is ongoing, according to the report.
Rescue teams are still searching for the 14 workers trapped under the rubble after a 75-meter-wide section of road over the construction site collapsed in Zhejiang Province’s capital city at 3:20pm on Saturday.
A total of 24 workers were initially taken to hospital, where 13 remain. Eight are being treated at Xiaoshan District Hospital and four of those patients have been diagnosed with psychological trauma in addition to their physical injuries, Eastday.com reported today.
The eight workers had internal organ bruises or broken bones, but all are in stable condition, Sun Hui, a hospital official told the Website.
``Four failed a psychological test and have symptoms including fear, despair and insomnia,’’ Sun was quoted as saying. ``Doctors have used medicine to treat the problem.’’
All eight have been kept away from the media so they would not have to recall the experience, which could impede their recovery, Sun added.
Meanwhile, Beijing stopped work on all subway construction projects yesterday afternoon to conduct safety checks and rectify hidden perils, Beijing Times reported today.
China News Service reported that survivors have complained about lax safety and many said they would return to their hometowns once they wages are paid.
Zhang Xiaohua from Ji’an, Jiangxi Province, was among those to express dismay about the site’s lack of safety precautions.
``The only safety measure in place is the helmet we wear. We are not required to register when going to or off work,’’ Zhang told the Website. ``There is no escape passage underground except a steel ladder.’’
A worker surnamed He from Henan Province told China News Service that they had noticed the lack of safety measures prior to the accident.
``We never had any safety training and the company did not buy life insurance for us,’’ he was quoted as saying.
He was working on ground reinforcements when the collapse occurred.
``I only saw clouds of heavy smog and I could not open my eyes. I was extremely scared then.’’
He added that he would leave the city with his fellow townsmen since ``the construction site is too dangerous.’’
Worker Ji Yongping, a native of Wenzhou, Jiangxi Province, told the Website he would rather earn a living as a beggar than do this job again.
``So many people are dead. How can I continue to work here?’’ he was quoted as saying. ``Construction workers are only paid at the end of each year. I am waiting for my money and will immediately go back home after getting paid.’’
Fang Richeng from Chun’an, Zhejiang, told the Website: ``The job on the subway construction site enables me to earn five more yuan (US$0.7) per day than building houses. I had expected to make more money, but this tragedy occurred only one month after I came to work here.’’
Meanwhile, officials from Hangzhou’s Xiaoshan District Prosecutors Office arrived at the caved-in construction site at Fengqing Avenue on Saturday afternoon and their investigation is ongoing, according to the report.
Rescue teams are still searching for the 14 workers trapped under the rubble after a 75-meter-wide section of road over the construction site collapsed in Zhejiang Province’s capital city at 3:20pm on Saturday.
A total of 24 workers were initially taken to hospital, where 13 remain. Eight are being treated at Xiaoshan District Hospital and four of those patients have been diagnosed with psychological trauma in addition to their physical injuries, Eastday.com reported today.
The eight workers had internal organ bruises or broken bones, but all are in stable condition, Sun Hui, a hospital official told the Website.
``Four failed a psychological test and have symptoms including fear, despair and insomnia,’’ Sun was quoted as saying. ``Doctors have used medicine to treat the problem.’’
All eight have been kept away from the media so they would not have to recall the experience, which could impede their recovery, Sun added.
Meanwhile, Beijing stopped work on all subway construction projects yesterday afternoon to conduct safety checks and rectify hidden perils, Beijing Times reported today.
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