SINGAPORE

— The construction industry in Singapore is facing a shocking rise in workplace fatalities, with 15 workers losing their lives in the second half of 2024 alone, marking a staggering tripling of the deaths reported in the first half of the year. With a total of 20 deaths recorded so far this year, the numbers have surpassed the 18 fatalities noted in all of 2023.

In a concerning announcement from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the agency highlighted the troubling trend, emphasizing the need for immediate action to improve workplace safety. "The safety and health performance in the construction sector has been seriously concerning this year," the MOM stated.

Complacency and Dangerous Cutbacks?

According to the MOM, many of the recent incidents can be attributed to a lack of basic safety measures and non-compliance with established protocols. This situation suggests a troubling culture of complacency regarding safety standards in the industry, which intensifies during high-pressure periods like the festive season. "Some companies may be tempted to cut corners to meet project milestones. However, we must not put safety on the back burner,” a ministry spokesperson warned.

Recent Fatal Incidents

The MOM has confirmed that it is scrutinizing four critical incidents in the sector, including three deaths that occurred within a short span of two weeks.

- **November 27:** A 34-year-old Chinese worker tragically lost his life after becoming trapped while operating a boom lift.

- **December 4:** A 21-year-old Myanmar national fell through a skylight while working atop a warehouse roof, sustaining fatal injuries.

- **December 8:** A 27-year-old Bangladeshi worker is believed to have died from an electric shock while working in a riser room.

Additionally, on December 13, a 77-year-old crane operator suffered injuries when a hook block fell onto his foot while he was on the job.

Urgent Calls for Action

In response to the increasing death toll, the Multi-Agency Workplace Safety and Health Taskforce (MAST), alongside industry leaders, has urged construction firms to undertake a "safety time-out." This initiative encourages companies to reassess their existing safety systems and prioritize health standards to prevent further tragedies.

MOM has ramped up enforcement measures, conducting over 400 inspections in just two months. As a result, they imposed fines totaling more than S$300,000 (approximately US$223,000) and issued 13 stop-work orders to companies non-compliant with safety regulations.

The ministry reiterated, "We maintain a zero-tolerance stance towards violations of workplace safety and health laws. Companies cutting corners to meet deadlines, especially during festive times, are jeopardizing lives."

The Bigger Picture

The construction sector's rising mortality rate reflects a broader issue of safety culture and regulatory enforcement in Singapore. Authorities are under pressure to implement effective measures that can turn around this alarming trend. As the country heads into the new year, the hope is that these tragic losses serve as a wake-up call, prompting immediate and sustained improvements in workplace safety for all employees in the construction industry.