Ministry of Manpower points to sense of complacency as incidents were caused by lack of basic safety measures
SINGAPORE’S construction sector fatalities have trebled in the second half of 2024 to 15, up from just five in the first half of the year, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in a social media post on Friday (Dec 13) evening.
Citing the workplace safety and health performance of the sector as “concerning”, it said that many of the incidents were due to either a lack of basic safety measures or non-compliance with established safety measures.
“This points to a sense of complacency and a lack of ownership for workplace safety,” the post said, adding that companies should not be tempted to cut corners to meet project milestones during the festive season.
MOM stepped up safety enforcement efforts in the industry in October and November, with more than 400 inspections, which resulted in fines totalling more than S$300,000 and 13 stop work orders issued.
The actions serve to remind the industry that the ministry has “zero tolerance” for non-compliance in workplace safety and health regulations. It said that if the situation does not improve, it will take “stronger actions” against violators.
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