SINGAPORE – A heart-wrenching incident occurred on the morning of September 29 when a 44-year-old Bangladeshi worker tragically lost his life after being struck by a steel structure at a construction site in Sentosa.

Authorities report that a portion of the steel structure collapsed while lifting operations were underway, tragically hitting the worker. Despite the immediate response from paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) confirmed this information following inquiries about the incident.

Immediate Response and Investigation

Emergency services, including the police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), received the alert at approximately 8 am from the location on 8 Sentosa Gateway. Investigations are currently underway, but police have indicated that foul play is not suspected in this unfortunate occurrence.

Reactions and Safety Measures

In response to the fatality, MOM has ordered the contractor, Sunray Woodcraft Construction, to cease all lifting activities at the site. MOM emphasized the critical importance of proper design, installation, and inspection of lifting equipment and supporting structures as essential safety measures.

Project Background

This tragic accident unfolded at a site where the former Maritime Experiential Museum once stood. The museum closed in March 2020 to pave the way for the expansion of the SEA Aquarium. A spokesperson for Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) indicated that both the contractor and RWS are cooperating with authorities as they conduct their investigation. They assured that the area is currently 'non-accessible to the public.'

Future Plans for the Site

The ongoing project aims to expand and rebrand the SEA Aquarium into the Singapore Oceanarium, which is set to be three times larger than its predecessor and will feature a research and learning center. While the project commenced in 2022, there is no definitive timeline for when it will be completed.

Ongoing Concerns About Workplace Safety

Workplace safety continues to be a pressing concern in Singapore. According to MOM statistics, there have been 36 fatal workplace accidents recorded in 2023, a decrease from 46 in 2022 and 37 in 2021. As safety regulations are reviewed and reinforced, incidents like this serve as painful reminders of the perils faced by workers in the construction industry.

Conclusion

Stay updated as we follow this story and the implications it has on construction safety in Singapore.