Tragic Fall Leaves Migrant Worker in Coma
Jun Jiang, a migrant worker from Jiangsu, China, is currently fighting for his life at Auckland City Hospital after a harrowing fall at work. Jiang, 37, had come to New Zealand on an accredited employer work visa in 2022, securing a job at Auckland company SD Aluminium. His wife, Jia Fan, and their 8-year-old daughter later joined him on a partner visa, turning their hopes for a better life into a nightmare.
A Heartbreaking Call and a Race Against Time
On 28 December, Fan received a call that shattered her world – her husband had fallen from a scissor lift while working at the company’s Albany warehouse. The news of Jiang hitting the ground with his head left her paralyzed with fear. The scene was grim, with Jiang being rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Doctors performed emergency surgery on his brain before placing him on life support, delivering devastating news to his loved ones.
Questions of Safety and Responsibility
As Fan grapples with the impending decision to switch off Jiang’s life support, questions loom over the safety measures at SD Aluminium. An ambulance care summary revealed that Jiang was not equipped with a safety harness or helmet at the time of the incident, raising concerns about workplace safety protocols. WorkSafe’s ongoing investigation aims to uncover the truth behind this tragedy and hold accountable those responsible for ensuring worker safety.
Call for Action to Prevent Future Tragedies
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by workers, especially in high-risk sectors like manufacturing. The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 mandates businesses to prioritize worker safety by implementing proper training, risk assessments, and safety equipment, including fall arrest systems and helmets. As the authorities delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding Jiang’s fall, the need for stringent safety measures to prevent similar accidents becomes increasingly urgent.
In the midst of grief and uncertainty, Fan’s strength and resilience shine through, reminding us of the human cost behind workplace tragedies. As we await answers and justice for Jiang, let us reflect on the importance of prioritizing safety in all workplaces to prevent further heartbreak and loss.