Indian National Dies in Singapore Construction Accident
A 34-year-old Indian national lost his life in a tragic accident at a construction site in Singapore. The worker was struck by a steel bar while performing cable-pulling work. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at Pasir Ris Industrial Drive 1. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has launched an investigation into the accident.
According to MOM, the accident happened when a steel stand supporting a cable drum gave way. The cable drum and its supporting structure should have been stable and secured during the cabling works. The victim was immediately rushed to Changi General Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. He was employed by Alliance E&C, and the occupier of the work site, Hong Hock Global, has been instructed to halt all cable-laying work.
This tragic incident highlights the need for stricter safety measures in the workplace. Singapore has experienced an alarming increase in work-related fatalities, with 19 deaths recorded so far in 2023. This is a significant rise compared to the total of 30 workplace fatalities in 2020, 37 in 2021, and 46 in 2022.
The issue of workplace safety was recently raised in parliament. Following the lifting of a heightened safety period implemented from September to May to address a spate of fatal accidents, Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad responded by announcing that the maximum fine for breaches of certain workplace safety and health laws, which could result in death or serious injury, will be raised from SG$20,000 to SG$50,000. This increase aims to further improve deterrence and ensure the safety of workers.
This unfortunate incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by those working in the construction industry. It is vital that employers prioritize safety and strictly adhere to safety regulations. The incident is a wake-up call for the authorities and employers to reinforce their efforts in maintaining a safe working environment for all workers.
The Ministry of Manpower’s investigation into the accident will hopefully shed light on the exact cause and identify any lapses or non-compliance with safety protocols. By learning from incidents like these, Singapore can continue to enhance its safety measures and reduce the occurrence of workplace accidents.
Our thoughts go out to the family and loved ones of the Indian national who tragically lost his life in this construction accident. It is our collective responsibility to strive for safer working conditions and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
