Construction Site Workplace Fatality

SINGAPORE – Construction site workplace fatality involving a local site engineer and a Bangladeshi construction worker. Both died on Sept 17 after they were struck by heavy machinery at a worksite in Lentor Avenue for the upcoming North-South Corridor.

Singapore Civil Defence Force paramedic pronounced the Bangladeshi worker,39 dead at the scene while the engineer, 38, was unconscious when taken to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, where he died due to his injuries.

Two other workers, aged 32 and 47, were also taken to the same hospital after the accident, which happened at about 1.20pm.

According to LTA the four were assembling a winch drum that was resting on two concrete blocks when the winch, which is typically used in the lifting of heavy materials, slid off the blocks and struck them

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said that as a general safety measure, heavy machinery or structures must be secured in a stable manner to reduce the risk of slipping or toppling

**Cause of Accident**: 

The winch drum, used for lifting heavy materials, slid off its concrete supports while the workers were assembling it

**Ongoing Investigation**: 

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Land Transport Authority (LTA) are investigating the incident, and LTA has paused work to review safety protocols. 5. **Previous Safety Incidents**: This is the second fatal accident at a North-South Corridor construction site in a year. At this point in time, the root causes are not yet known as the investigation is still ongoing

Construction Site Workplace Fatality

SINGAPORE: A 35-year-old construction worker died  after he was struck by a reversing dump truck at a worksite at a junction of Tanah Merah Coast Road and the Changi East development, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Friday

A 36-year-old man was arrested for causing death by a rash or negligent act, said the police, adding that investigations are ongoing.

The construction worker was employed by Hua Hao Development, while the occupier of the worksite is Huationg Contractor, said an MOM spokesperson in response to queries from CNA on Friday.

"As a general safety measure, a traffic management plan must be implemented to ensure the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians in the workplace, including the deployment of a trained banksman to guide reversing vehicles when necessary," said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson added that MOM is also investigating the incident.

Learning points to consider: 

1. *Clear visibility and spotters*: 

Ensure that drivers of reversing vehicles have clear visibility or are assisted by spotters to prevent accidents. This can be achieved through proper training, use of cameras or sensors, and designated spotters. 

2. *Segregation of pedestrians and vehicles*: 

Implement effective segregation measures to separate pedestrians and vehicles, reducing the risk of accidents. This can include designated walkways, barriers, and clear signage. 

3. *Reversing protocols and procedures*: 

Establish and enforce strict reversing protocols and procedures, including: - Mandatory spotters or guides - Use of reverse alarms or warning lights - Designated reversing areas or zones - Worker training on reversing hazards and procedures