Worksites found to have inadequate safety management systems
Nine construction worksites in Singapore where workplace fatalities occurred have received stop-work orders from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) due to inadequate safety management systems.
Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad told Parliament last week that the lack of safety systems in these worksites posed imminent danger to their employees.
"These worksites were required to undertake measures, such as reviewing their safety management systems, before they can resume work," Zaqy said.
These worksites were among the 14 construction locations where workplace fatalities occurred in the second half of 2024, nearly triple the number from five reported in the first half of the year.
Zaqy told Parliament he shared other members' concern about the increase in workplace fatalities, especially in the construction sector.
Singapore's workplace fatality rate is among the top performers worldwide, averaging 1.1 per 100,000 workers.
However, Zaqy said fatalities in the construction sector "remain overrepresented in Singapore," with almost half of workplace deaths coming from the sector.
"The companies and the workers in the sector can certainly do better," he said. "On our part, we will monitor the progress of the measures implemented to further improve safety and accountability."
The government recently carried out more than 2,000 inspections in the construction sector to improve workplace safety. It also instituted a Safety Time-Out in November 2024 to refresh awareness on workplace safety and health practices.
"To strengthen accountability at the leadership level, we have also instituted measures such as requiring Chief Executives and Board Directors in the higher-risk sectors, including construction, to attend the Top Executive WSH Programme," Zaqy said.
In the coming Chinese New Year period, Zaqy said MOM will continue with its enhanced enforcement efforts.
"I urge all employers and workers to remain alert as we approach the Chinese New Year period, which is typically a time when companies face time pressures to complete projects," he said.
"We must not compromise on safety. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every worker returns home safely."
