SINGAPORE: A Heartbreaking Accident

In a heartbreaking incident on Thursday, December 5, a 58-year-old construction worker tragically lost his life at a demolition site on Jurong Island when he was struck by a large concrete block. The accident occurred around 5:40 PM at 3 Seraya Avenue while he was operating a drill excavator involved in tearing down concrete structures.

SCDF's Response

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) received an urgent call for assistance and promptly dispatched personnel to the scene. Sadly, despite their efforts, the worker was pronounced dead at the site by an SCDF paramedic shortly after the incident.

Details of the Incident

The deceased, identified as a Thai national, was reportedly executing his duties when part of the demolition structure unexpectedly collapsed, resulting in the concrete block falling onto the excavator.

Investigations Underway

Officials from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) confirmed the details, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations into potential violations of the Workplace Safety and Health Act and the Building Control Act.

Stop-Work Order and Revocation of Permit

In the wake of this tragic event, MOM has issued a stop-work order at the demolition site, and the BCA has revoked the builder's operating permit. Furthermore, they've mandated that a qualified person submit a comprehensive investigation report detailing the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Scrutiny on Aik Sun Demolition and Engineering

The firm employing the deceased, Aik Sun Demolition and Engineering, is now under scrutiny as authorities delve deeper into the safety protocols in place at the site.

Importance of Safety Planning

In light of this tragedy, MOM and BCA reiterated the importance of comprehensive safety planning during demolition work. They stressed that such operations must follow a systematic approach, beginning from the top-down to prevent unexpected collapses that endanger the lives of workers.

Critical Questions on Worker Safety

As investigations continue, this incident raises critical questions about worker safety in Singapore’s booming construction industry and the measures needed to ensure such tragedies do not recur. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.