TAIWAN-TECHNOLOGY-SEMICONDUCTOR
A work-related accident occurred at TSMC's Kaohsiung plant construction site on October 20, resulting in the deaths of three construction workers and injuries to one. Steel structure hoisting operations have been suspended, and the cause of the accident is still under investigation by the relevant authorities. Images should be authorized photographs of the accident location; if no verifiable images are available, it is recommended to use a clear, well-marked exterior photograph of the plant area. I-Hwa Cheng / AFP via Getty Images

A workplace accident occurred on Oct. 20 during construction of TSMC’s Kaohsiung plant, killing three construction workers and injuring one. The Southern Taiwan Science Park Bureau said the accident took place during steel-structure hoisting and installation at the F22 site in the Nanzih Technology Industrial Park. The related work has been suspended pending further investigation.

According to Central News Agency, a preliminary investigation found that four workers employed by a contractor were carrying out steel-structure hoisting and installation when bolts on a connecting plate on the outside of the third floor apparently broke, causing the workers and steel components to fall from height. The Southern Taiwan Science Park Bureau said three of the workers died despite resuscitation efforts, while the other was taken to hospital for intensive care.

TSMC said the accident occurred during steel-structure construction at its Kaohsiung site. Emergency personnel at the plant provided first aid and sent the injured workers to hospital, while the related work was voluntarily suspended. The company’s site safety team is also cooperating with the authorities’ investigation into the cause of the accident. TSMC said it would urge and assist the contractor in handling follow-up matters.

The Southern Taiwan Science Park Bureau has sent personnel to assess the situation and said it would assist the victims’ families while continuing to monitor the treatment of the injured worker. Whether the accident involved construction procedures, structural connections or other safety-management issues remains subject to the formal investigation. The preliminary assessment should not be treated as a final conclusion at this stage.

TSMC is continuing to expand capacity at its Kaohsiung and Hsinchu sites to meet demand for advanced process technologies, smartphones, high-performance computing and AI applications. Following the accident, the suspension of the related work and the progress of the investigation are expected to draw close attention. Responsibility for workplace safety and the cause of the accident should be determined on the basis of the authorities’ findings.