On March 9th, at a construction site in Yibin, Sichuan, three workers were subjected to an extreme disciplinary measure after failing to wear safety harnesses while working at height. Site managers tied them up with safety harnesses and suspended them at the entrance of the construction site as a public warning, a moment captured on video by a passerby.

The footage quickly went viral, sparking heated public debate. Some criticised the punishment as excessive and a violation of the workers’ dignity, potentially even illegal. Others argued that while the method was inappropriate, it effectively highlighted the importance of workplace safety.

The Yibin Sanjiang New District Housing and Urban Development Department confirmed the incident occurred at a Pingye Construction Company site. Authorities acknowledged that the punishment was inappropriate and stated they would work with the company to ensure disciplinary measures respect workers' dignity.

Legal experts emphasised that suspending workers in such a manner is unlawful. China's **Constitution** and **Civil Code** explicitly protect citizens’ personal freedom and dignity, prohibiting any organisation or individual from humiliating others. The act of suspending workers in public was deemed a clear violation of their rights and an infringement on their personal freedom and dignity.