SINGAPORE – A devastating incident occurred on the morning of September 29, when a 44-year-old Bangladeshi worker was tragically killed on a construction site at Sentosa.

Reports indicate that the worker was struck by a steel structure that collapsed during lifting operations.

According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the worker sustained fatal injuries from the falling debris and was pronounced dead at the scene by responding paramedics.

The incident took place at around 8 am at a site located at 8 Sentosa Gateway.

Authorities Respond to the Incident

Authorities, including the police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), have confirmed that no foul play is suspected; however, investigations into the incident are ongoing.

In response to the tragedy, MOM has directed the contractor, Sunray Woodcraft Construction, to cease all lifting activities on the premises to ensure the safety of other workers.

“As a general safety measure, lifting equipment and supporting structures must be properly designed, installed, and inspected,” stressed the ministry, highlighting crucial protocols that should be followed at construction sites to prevent such tragic incidents.

Background of the Construction Site

This unfortunate event occurred at a worksite previously occupied by the Maritime Experiential Museum, which closed in March 2020 as part of ongoing expansion efforts for the S.E.A. Aquarium.

The spokesperson for Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) indicated that both the contractor and RWS are cooperating with authorities in the investigation, assuring that the area remains off-limits to the public.

About the Project

The current project aims to expand and rebrand the S.E.A. Aquarium into the Singapore Oceanarium, which is anticipated to be three times larger than its predecessor and will include a research and learning center.

While the project commenced in 2022, the completion timeline has not yet been disclosed.

Workplace Safety Statistics

As a concerning statistic, MOM has reported that there have been 36 fatal workplace accidents in 2023, a decrease from 46 in 2022 but an increase from 37 in 2021.

This incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the ongoing need for rigorous safety protocols in construction and other high-risk industries.

Conclusion

Stay tuned for more updates on this tragic incident and its implications for workplace safety regulations in Singapore.