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

Construction Site Fatal Accident

 Worker dies after steel bars fell on him at RTS Link station worksite

SINGAPORE: Construction site workplace fatal accident involving a construction worker died and another was injured after an incident at the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link station worksite on Thursday (Jun 27).

Both workers were struck by steel bars when performing steel reinforcement works for a pilecap at the RTS Link Woodlands North station worksite, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) told CNA on Friday.

The pilecap is part of the foundation system supporting the station. 

At around 9.30am, the steel bars "swayed and fell onto two workers", said LTA.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force and the police said in response to CNA's queries that they received a call for assistance at about 9.50am.

The 48-year-old Bangladeshi worker was brought to Woodlands Health Campus Hospital unconscious, where he subsequently died.

His 49-year-old co-worker, who was conveyed conscious to the same hospital, sustained minor injuries and has been discharged

A safety time-out has been called to review and further enhance the safety process, said LTA.

The authority added that it is assisting the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the police with their investigations.

LTA is also working with the main contractor and sub-contractor involved to assist the family of the deceased.

Penta-Ocean Construction Company is the occupier and main contractor of the worksite and it engaged Interno Engineering as a sub-contractor to perform the work, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said in response to CNA's query on Friday.

The employer of the deceased is Maranatha Contractors and the developer for the project is LTA.

"As a general safety measure, a suitable propping system should be designed and installed to support steel reinforcements for tall structures," said MOM.

"The required sequence of propping should be briefed and followed by all workers involved," it added.

MOM has instructed Penta-Ocean Construction to stop all steel reinforcement works in the worksite while investigations are ongoing.

Penta-Ocean was awarded a contract worth S$932.8 million (US$687.7 million) in 2020 for the construction of the RTS Link Woodlands North station, tunnels and the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) building in Singapore.

Workplace Fatality -Singapore 2023

 

The first workplace fatality in Singapore in 2023.

A 37-year-old Myanmar national died on Jan. 12, 2023 after he fell four storeys while painting the facade of a condominium in Bedok. 

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) told Mothership that the incident occurred at around 3:50pm at 738 Bedok Reservoir Road.

Painting an apartment block using a gondola

The MOM spokesperson said that the deceased was paired with a co-worker to paint an apartment block using a gondola.

However, both workers had climbed out of the gondola to paint parts of the wall that were out of reach.

The deceased was standing on a concrete ledge when he fell from the fourth level to the ground.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by a paramedic.

The MOM spokesperson added:

"Under the law, no person should enter or leave the gondola unless it is at rest on the ground or at any level which allows safe access. Workers should also be given appropriate safety equipment to prevent falls when working at height."

Barred from employing foreign workers for three months

MOM is investigating this incident. No foul play is suspected.