An incident occurred on June 12 during the installation of solar panels on a building’s rooftop, resulting in the unfortunate death of a worker who was electrocuted, according to a report from The Straits Times.
The Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council issued an alert on Wednesday, stating that the worker noticed an exposed cable emitting smoke and arcing while carrying out the installation.
Tragically, upon coming into contact with the exposed cable, the worker was electrocuted and subsequently passed away on the same day after being rushed to the hospital.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the cable was lying on the wet roof, as it had rained prior to the accident.
This workplace fatality occurred just a few days before another incident at the Fuji Xerox Towers building in Tanjong Pagar, where a worker lost their life during demolition works and subsequently went missing amongst the rubble before rescuers found his body.
According to the WSH alert, the installation of solar panels poses a significant risk of electrocution. Even when unplugged, solar panels generate live currents when exposed to sunlight.
The alert also highlighted six measures that companies should implement to safeguard workers. These measures include insulating exposed electrical components and suspending electrical work during adverse weather conditions.
The installation of solar panels also presents a risk of falls from height, although this particular incident did not involve such an occurrence. Nonetheless, solar installers and contractors are advised to develop and implement site-specific fall prevention plans to eliminate or reduce the risk of falling.
The recent fatalities bring the total number of workplace deaths in 2023 to 14. In 2022, there were 46 workplace deaths, marking the highest recorded number since 2016 when 66 individuals lost their lives.
As a response to the series of work-related deaths and injuries, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) imposed a six-month heightened safety period starting from September 1, 2022, which was later extended to May 31 due to a worrying increase in workplace fatalities.
According to the WSH Act, corporations found guilty for the first time may face fines of up to $500,000, while individuals can be fined up to $200,000, imprisoned for a maximum of two years, or both.