29-year-old migrant worker dies in latest worksite accident

SINGAPORE: A 29-year-old construction worker lost his life following a fatal accident at a worksite at Block 371B, Sembawang Road, on Monday (Oct 9).

According to eyewitness accounts and social media posts, the fatal mishap occurred when the worker was struck by a concrete bucket, causing him to plummet from the eighth floor of the construction site. Disturbing online photos depict the worker lying face up, seemingly unconscious, while several colleagues look on in shock.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force said it received a distress call at 3:05 pm and dispatched personnel to the scene. The injured worker was promptly transported to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital for medical attention.

Despite the immediate response, the young migrant worker succumbed to his injuries and died at the hospital.

Preliminary investigations conducted by the police have ruled out any foul play. The ongoing investigation is expected to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.

This latest tragic incident sheds light on the persisting workplace safety issue in Singapore. The recently released biannual Workplace Safety and Health Report, published by the Ministry of Manpower, disclosed alarming statistics.

In the first half of this year, 14 individuals lost their lives due to work-related injuries, equating to 0.8 deaths per 100,000 employees annually. Although this represents a downtrend compared to previous figures, with 28 workplace fatalities recorded in the first half of 2022 and 18 in the second half, the recent spate of work-related fatalities is concerning.