Just three days after a fatal worksite accident in Jurong, another construction worker has lost his life in a worksite accident.
This time, it took place at a worksite within Changi Airport.
Source: Changi Airport Group, for illustration purposes only
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is investigating the incident.
In response to queries from MS News, MOM said the fatal accident occurred on Thursday (13 July) at about 4.45pm.
The location where it happened was the Changi East Perimeter Roadway, a worksite within Changi Airport.
Source: Complaint Singapore Unrestricted on Facebook
The project is being developed by the Changi Airport Group (CAG).
The deceased, a 30-year-old Indian national, was reportedly operating a skid-steer loader at the time of the accident.
This heavy equipment is a compact machine that helps move or load materials.
Unfortunately, a broken component within the cabin struck the construction worker, MOM said.
A doctor attended to him at the scene and subsequently pronounced him dead.
According to MOM, the occupier of the worksite is Hock Lian Seng Infrastructure – CES_SDC JV.
The project is a joint venture between Hock Lian Seng Infrastructure and Chip Eng Seng Corporation, which acquired Sembcorp Design and Construction in 2019.
They are also the worker’s employers.
Hock Lian Seng’s website states that one of the projects they’re currently working on is the development of Changi East to facilitate 3-runway operations at Changi Airport.
Chip Eng Seng’s website says the project involves the construction of new pavement works and refurbishment of the existing Runway 2, among other things.
CAG explained in a media release that Changi Airport has two runways that serve four terminals.
To cater to the upcoming Terminal 5, a third runway currently under military use will undergo conversion for joint usage by the military and civilians.
The joint Hock Lian Seng-Chip Eng Seng venture thus aims to carry out works to that effect, including pavement works, security fencing and perimeter roads.
However, after the fatal accident, MOM has ordered them to stop all machinery operations at the Changi Airport worksite.
In the meantime, the ministry is investigating the incident. They noted,
As a general safety measure, all machinery and equipment must be used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Radin Mas MP Melvin Yong, who’s also Co-Chairman of the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council’s (Engagement and Outreach) Committee, expressed his sadness over the worker’s death.
Source: Melvin Yong on Facebook
He said the latest fatality made it five deaths in less than two months since MOM lifted a heightened safety period which they implemented in Sep 2022.
He also noted that the previous incident happened just earlier this week. On Monday (10 July), a worker passed away after a heavy vehicle reversed into him at a worksite in Jurong West.
At the time, Mr Yong said that the fatality was the 15th of this year. Therefore, the Changi Airport worksite accident was at least the 16th.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first fatal accident to occur at the Changi Airport worksite.
In Nov 2021, a 43-year-old Indian national got trapped in a vibratory roller cabin after the machine toppled.
His colleagues pulled him out but he passed away from his injuries in hospital.
MS News extends our deepest condolences to the friends and family of the migrant worker. May he rest in peace.
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Featured image adapted from Changi Airport Group.
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