Workplace Injuries and Fatalities in First Six Months of 2021

Ms Ng Ling Ling asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the numbers of worksite injuries and deaths have increased in the first six months of 2021 compared to the same period last year; and (b) if so, whether the reason is less worksite supervision or increased workload due to a labour crunch in the construction industry arising from COVID-19 border restrictions.

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the number of workplace fatalities in the first half of 2021; (b) whether there has been a significant increase as compared to the first half of 2020; and (c) what is being done to curb the rise in workplace fatalities.

The number of fatal and non-fatal injuries from January to May 2021 increased, when compared to the same period in 2020 and 2019. The number of fatal injuries in all sectors increased from 13 in 2019, to 15 in 2020, and 17 in 2021. For non-fatal injuries, there were 5,388 injuries from January to May 2021, slightly lower than 5,550 seen in 2019, but higher than the corresponding 4,341 in 2020, where the figure reflects some work stoppages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A similar trend is observed in the construction sector.

Preliminary investigations into the recent fatal accidents revealed safety lapses at workplaces, suggesting that these accidents could have been prevented with adequate controls and adherence to safe work procedures. We recognise that COVID-19 border restrictions have meant fewer workers while worksite Safe Management Measures such as zoning and separation of teams have affected the efficient deployment of workers. It is unclear the degree to which these factors have contributed to the increase in workplace injuries. Nevertheless, regardless of COVID-19, all stakeholders, especially employers are very clear that the safety of the workers cannot be compromised. Workplace conditions have changed, and so must our workplace safety and health measures and risk assessments. Companies should adapt and adjust their operations to ensure their workers continue to work safely and without harm to their health.

To curb the rise in workplace fatalities, we have stepped up efforts to address the situation, especially in the higher-risk sectors such as construction. MOM inspectors have stepped up inspections since the end of circuit breaker. On top of the regular routine inspections, we have also mounted several enforcement operations targeting high-risk activities and sectors. Special inspections are also conducted on companies that suffered fatalities to identify systemic lapses across all their premises, beyond the location of the fatality. We will continue to issue Stop Work Orders and require occupiers to fix the lapses and put in place adequate preventive measures before lifting the Order.

Separately, the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council is working with industry associations, including Singapore Contractors Association (SCAL) and Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) for their members to conduct Safety-Time-Outs (STO), to take stock of their risk management processes and re-emphasise the adherence to WSH practices to their employees. I would like to express my appreciation to the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) for their support as well as the industry associations for rallying over 10,700 of their members to conduct an STO from 25 June onwards.

The senior management of companies are also personally reinforcing their support and commitment to WSH. We have called for them to redouble walkabouts and meet their workers face-to-face to convey the safety message.