Fewer construction site deaths in Q1 2017

The Singapore construction sector saw one workplace death in the first five months of 2017, down from an average of six deaths per quarter last year.

In 2016, there were 24 workplace deaths in the sector, of which, 17 occurred in the first six months. The fatality rate of 4.9 per 100,000 workers was the lowest since 2007, but more remained to be done to reduce it to less than 1.8 per 100,000 workers by next year, as per the industry’s target.

Speaking at a workplace safety seminar organised by the Singapore Contractors Association Limited (Scal), Minister of State for Manpower Sam Tan credited the decline to a collective effort by construction companies to improve workplace safety.

“It is up to each of us to take the initiative in being more vigilant of our surroundings, assess the work situation and take steps to address the work hazard,” Tan said, according to a news report in The Straits Times. 

Apart from fatalities, major injuries in construction is another big concern. Last year, there were 153 serious injuries, the most across sectors. In 2017, there were 22 serious injuries in the first quarter. Falls from heights or being struck by moving vehicles were some of the leading causes. — Construction+ Online