22-year-old male worker dies after falling from Tanjong Rhu BTO construction site, no foul play suspected

22-year-old worker dies after falling from 12th storey at Tanjong Rhu BTO worksite

A 22-year-old worker died after falling from the 12th storey at a BTO construction site in Tanjong Rhu on Monday (28 Sept).

The worker had been carrying out concrete casting works with his co-workers using a mobile concrete pump when he fell at around 4.15pm, according to a Ministry of Manpower (MOM) spokesperson.

He succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by a Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) paramedic.

Worker fell while carrying out concrete casting works

The incident happened at the Tanjong Rhu Riverfront II worksite, according to a statement from the Housing & Development Board (HDB) seen by MS News.

SCDF told MS News that it received a call for assistance at a construction site along Tanjong Rhu Road at around 4.20pm.

The worker was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene.

The police and MOM are investigating the incident.

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) told MS News that based on preliminary investigations, the police do not suspect foul play.

According to MOM, the occupier of the site is BHCC Construction Pte. Ltd. and the employer is Ann Yu Construction Pte. Ltd.

All works suspended until further notice

HDB said they were “saddened by the fatality and extend [their] heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family”.

They said that they and the contractor, BHCC Construction, will provide support and assistance to the family.

“Safety at our worksites is of utmost priority,” HDB said, adding that it takes the incident very seriously.

The agency said it will continue working with industry partners to strengthen workplace safety at its worksites.

All works on site have been suspended until further notice.

MOM has also instructed BHCC Construction to stop concrete casting operations using the mobile concrete pump at the worksite.

MOM reiterates safety requirements for work at height

The MOM spokesperson told MS News that concrete casting equipment must be inspected before use as part of general safety requirements.

The spokesperson added that work activities must be properly supervised and measures must be put in place to prevent falls when workers are carrying out work at height.

In June, MOM tightened penalties for companies that flout workplace safety rules following a series of workplace fatalities.

Under the stricter measures, companies can face higher fines and longer stop-work orders for serious workplace safety breaches.

Furthermore,  MOM announced a nationwide voluntary safety time-out for two weeks in June. This was after seven workers passed away in five separate workplace incidents over four weeks.

MS News has reached out to BHCC Construction for comment.