32-Year-Old Worker Passes Away At Mandai Worksite
The alarming spate of workplace accidents in Singapore has sparked numerous conversations about the safety of migrant workers.
In response, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) called for a two-week safety time-out in May to address the issue, but sadly, yet another worker has lost his life on the job.
The latest incident occurred at a worksite in Mandai when a 32-year-old Indian worker died after being crushed between parts of a mobile crane.
This brings the total number of workplace fatalities in 2022 to 27 so far.
Indian worker passes away at 1 Mandai Quarry Road
On Wednesday (22 Jun), Facebook group Safety Watch – SG shared that they had received news of yet another workplace death that day.
According to their post, a worker, who was a rigger and signalman, had gotten caught between crane parts and sadly passed away.
The Straits Times (ST) reported that the incident happened at 10.15am at 1 Mandai Quarry Road.
This is the location of the Home Team Tactical Centre, where officers from the police and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) undergo joint training.
MOM investigating accident
In response to enquiries from MS News, a MOM spokesperson shared that the victim was a 32-year-old Indian worker.
He had been retrieving items from a toolbox under the chassis of a mobile crane when the crane suddenly turned, crushing his chest between the counterweights and undercarriage.
He died from his injuries at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.
The cause of the accident is currently under investigation. MOM has since instructed all lifting works to halt. This is the 27th workplace fatality of the year.
Here is MOM’s statement in full:
There was a fatal workplace accident at 1 Mandai Quarry Road on 22 June 2022 at around 10.15am.
A 32-year-old Indian worker was retrieving two shackles from a toolbox underneath the chassis of a mobile crane, when the crane turned clockwise. His chest was crushed between the crane counterweights and the crane undercarriage.
The worker was conveyed to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
As a general safety measure, physical barricades and warning signs should be put up when cranes are in operation, and all persons should be reminded to stay clear of such danger areas.
The developer is Singapore Police Force, the occupier is China Construction (South Pacific) Development Co Pte Ltd and the employer is Hwa Yang Engineering Pte Ltd.
MOM is investigating the accident and has instructed the occupier to stop all lifting works at the worksite.
To date, the total number of workplace fatalities in 2022 is 27.
Effective measures need to be implemented to ensure workers’ safety
It’s shocking how often these fatalities keep happening in our country.
We hope the authorities will take these cases seriously and implement more effective measures to stop these deaths. No worker should have to worry that they might be the next victim.
MS News sends our sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased. May he rest in peace.
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