Tragic Incident at McNair Road HDB Site

SINGAPORE: A tragic accident occurred on Friday morning (October 11) at a Housing and Development Board (HDB) construction site located along McNair Road in the Balestier area, claiming the life of a 38-year-old Bangladeshi worker.

Details of the Incident

The fatal incident transpired around 9:20 AM while the worker was at the site of the McNair Heights Build-to-Order (BTO) project. According to reports from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the worker was struck by a precast concrete drain channel that was being lifted by an excavator. Emergency services were promptly called, but sadly, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene by an attending paramedic.

Response to the Incident

In the wake of this unfortunate event, Kay Lim Construction and Trading, the company that employed the victim, has been ordered to suspend all lifting operations concerning precast concrete drain channels at the worksite. The HDB emphasized its commitment to safety, stating, "HDB takes a very serious view of this incident." They confirmed that they are collaborating with the building contractor to assist authorities during ongoing investigations.

Investigation and Safety Measures

Police have also launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. In a proactive move, the Ministry of Manpower announced that starting October 14, they will intensify enforcement measures across high-risk sectors to ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations. This crackdown will apply not only to larger construction projects but also to smaller-scale endeavors involving renovations and additions.

Call for Improved Safety Protocols

This incident underscores the urgent need for strict adherence to safety protocols in the construction industry, highlighting the potentially fatal consequences of lapses in safety measures. Safety experts urge all construction companies to reassess their safety practices to prevent further tragedies.

Ongoing Developments

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as investigations continue.