Yunlin: Two contracted workers died Sunday after suffering from suspected sewer gas poisoning while maintaining a rainwater recycling system at a food factory in Yunlin County, according to local authorities.
According to Focus Taiwan, the factory and the outside contractor hired to perform the work were both fined NT$300,000 (US$9,264) by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) central service center. A criminal investigation into potential involuntary manslaughter charges has also been initiated, as confirmed by the OSHA center.
The two workers, brothers surnamed Huang in their 40s, were employed by the outside contractor and went to the factory on Sunday afternoon to conduct maintenance on the facility’s rainwater recycling pool. The maintenance process began with pumping out water and eliminating gases from the system.
The incident occurred when the younger brother opened the manhole cover above the pool and placed his water pump inside. This action reportedly stirred the water, leading to the release of a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide, explained OSHA center Director Lin Tsung-wei in a telephone interview with CNA. The younger brother is believed to have lost consciousness due to inhaling the sewer gas and subsequently fell into the 2.65-meter-high and 1.2-meter-deep pool.
In a rescue attempt, the older brother immediately entered the pool using a ladder but also passed out, likely from inhaling the same sewer gas, stated Lin. The Yunlin County Fire Department reported that both brothers suffered out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and were pronounced dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital.
Director Lin highlighted numerous operational deficiencies at the factory, including the failure to measure hazardous substances before beginning operations and the absence of necessary ventilation equipment. Safety measures such as guardrails or safety belts were also lacking on-site.
Citing these deficiencies, the central OSHA center concluded that the food company did not meet its management responsibilities and consequently fined both the food company and the contractors NT$300,000 each under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The center has also ordered a suspension of the water pumping operation.
Furthermore, the two companies involved are required to submit improvement plans, which must be approved before any related work can resume, as per the center’s directive.