SINGAPORE, Nov 7 — Singaporean authorities are urging construction firms to implement a mandatory safety cut-off period from Nov 8 to 22 following a rise in workplace fatalities in the sector.

The Straits Times (ST) reported that the expiration was requested by a multi-agency occupational health and safety task force consisting of the ministries of Labour, National Development, Sustainability and Environment, Trade and Industry, Transport and Health, together with the labor movement and industry committees of the WSH Council.

It is understood that between July and October 2024, construction-related deaths doubled compared to the first half of the year, with 10 workers losing their lives during this period.

According to ST, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) attributed the increase to safety protocol lapses, and the timeout will address three main areas of concern identified in recent fatal incidents: falling objects, vehicle safety and safe lifting and handling practices. Senior management is encouraged to engage with site teams, review existing safety measures and address any issues during the outage.

MOM added that government agencies will lead by example by implementing similar safety measures at public sector construction sites.

“As we find complacency creeping in, it is important to arrest it … before it spreads,” Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad said today.

“The safety time will allow us to send a message, create awareness and refresh.”

According to the ST report, from January to June 2024, there were 19 deaths in the construction sector, up from 14 during the same period in 2023.

The most recent fatality occurred on October 30, when a 46-year-old Thai worker was struck and killed by a concrete truck at a construction site on Marina East Drive.

This incident is part of a wider trend, with the construction sector remaining the largest contributor to workplace fatalities in 2024.

MOM stressed that the sector’s safety concerns need to be addressed urgently, especially as the festive season approaches.

“It is imperative that the sector remains vigilant and adheres to safety standards as companies may rush to meet deadlines before workers leave home on leave,” the ministry said.

Despite an overall improvement in workplace safety in Singapore, with a fatality rate of one per 100,000 workers in the first half of 2024 – the lowest since 2003 – MOM noted specific challenges in the construction sector.

In addition to stepped-up inspections in high-risk areas, the Singapore government began placing more emphasis on safety performance when evaluating construction tenders in April 2024.