Thai migrant worker dies from electric shock; employer reaches settlement and receives suspended sentence

A Thai migrant worker died after a wrench used to hold down a welding machine’s switch disabled its safety function, while he wore only non-insulated cotton gloves.

The accident occurred in late July last year at a factory in Tainan, where the worker, named as Pita, was welding an iron rake used to handle aluminum slag. He had not worn certified insulating gloves. He also used a wrench to press down the alternating-current welding machine’s test button, causing the automatic electric-shock prevention device to stop working.

During the operation, his left wrist accidentally touched a live welding electrode. A powerful current passed through his heart. He collapsed and later died despite emergency treatment at a hospital.

The employer, identified by the surname Tsai, told prosecutors that the company normally provided training and protective equipment. Tsai said Pita held the highest position among the dispatched workers but had chosen to wear cotton gloves and had switched off the safety device himself. The employer argued that it was impossible to check constantly whether every worker used equipment correctly.

The court rejected that defense as a full excuse. It said occupational safety rules require employers to supervise workplaces and ensure that protective equipment is properly used. The judge also found that the worker’s failure to wear insulating gloves and his action in disabling the protection contributed to the accident, so the employer could not bear all the blame. Tsai admitted the offense, settled with the family and paid the compensation in full. With no prior criminal record and family obligations including support for his parents, he received six months in prison, convertible to a fine, with a two-year suspension.