Nation

Tragic Toll: 9 Construction Sites in Singapore Linked to Worker Fatalities Due to Lax Safety Measures

2025-01-07

Author: Nur

Introduction

A harrowing report revealed that out of 14 construction sites with worker fatalities in the latter half of 2024, nine were identified as having inadequate safety management systems, placing lives at grave risk. This alarming statistic has prompted immediate action, with these sites ordered to halt all operations until they implement necessary remedial measures, including comprehensive safety reviews.

Government Response

This grim information was shared by Senior Minister of State for Manpower, Zaqy Mohamad, during a parliamentary session on January 7, responding to growing concerns from multiple MPs regarding the troubling surge in fatalities within the construction sector. He emphasized the pressing need for heightened safety protocols, especially as firms face tighter deadlines as the Chinese New Year approaches.

Safety Measures Introduced in 2024

To combat this crisis, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has introduced a series of safety measures in 2024 aimed at reducing worker deaths and injuries. These measures include mandatory installation of video surveillance systems at larger project sites and placing increased emphasis on safety criteria in public construction tenders.

Fatality Statistics

As an ambitious target, Singapore aims to lower its annual workplace fatality rate to below one death per 100,000 workers by 2028. The current rate stands at an average of 1.1 deaths per 100,000 workers, which, while lower than many developed nations, still falls short of exemplary performers like the Netherlands. Alarmingly, nearly half of Singapore's occupational fatalities stem from the construction industry.

Recent Increase in Fatalities

The scrutiny from parliament comes on the heels of MOM's December report highlighting a dramatic increase in construction worker deaths—from five in the first half of the year to an alarming 15 in the second half. This spike followed a strong recommendation for companies to implement a safety timeout—a temporary suspension of operations to reassess safety protocols and reinforce best practices among workers.

Effectiveness of Safety Timeouts

In response to inquiries regarding the effectiveness of these safety timeouts, Mr. Zaqy acknowledged their limitations. 'While they are not a silver bullet, they serve as a crucial component of our comprehensive enforcement strategy,' he explained. In 2024, MOM conducted over 3,000 targeted inspections focusing on high-risk issues such as working at heights and vehicle safety.

Concerns About Smaller Firms

MPs have raised concerns about the types of companies responsible for the uptick in fatalities—with a notable emphasis on smaller firms engaged in renovation and facilities management being flagged for scrutiny.

External Safety Audits

In a promising development, Mr. Zaqy noted that external safety audits are mandated for companies following severe safety oversight, asserting that none of the 14 sites linked to recent fatalities had previously faced stop-work orders—orders that can last a minimum of three weeks, affecting the entire site or specific areas.

Current Status of Companies

Current MOM records indicate that at least two companies—Jin Shan Construction and Tiong Seng Contractors—still have active stop-work orders in place due to worker fatalities.

Conclusion

As the construction industry faces scrutiny, the call for improved safety standards has never been more critical. Stakeholders must engage actively to ensure that no worker is ever put at risk again. Will the construction sector rise to this challenge, or will more lives be tragically lost? The clock is ticking!