A construction company was fined S$200,000 on Monday (10 July) for safety violations that led to the death of a worker at a factory on Tuas West Road back in 2020, according to Shin Min Daily News.

Hai Leck Engineering & Construction was found to have failed to implement appropriate risk control measures, including using suitable transport vehicles and securing equipment.

The accident occurred on October 12, 2020, when 39-year-old lifting supervisor Murugan was crushed to death by a 560kg steel beam.

Murugan and his colleagues were delivering materials to a construction site when the beam fell off the lorry loader they were using.

The beam had been secured with only three ropes, which were not strong enough to prevent it from tipping over.

Murugan was killed instantly, while his colleague escaped with minor injuries.

What happened?

On the day of the accident, Murugan was instructed to deliver materials that included 5 “N-type steel beams” that weighed 560kg each, and an angle iron to the construction site.

He supervised the forklift driver transferring the materials, and they then loaded them upright onto the lorry loader because the beams couldn’t be stacked together as they weighed 560kg each.

Using three ropes, they then secured the materials and the lorry loader then headed towards the entrance of the factory; that was when the site supervisor noticed that one of the steel beams was tilting.

The lorry loader was then stopped and Murugan asked for the ropes to be untied and unloaded from the forklift using a loader.

Murugan was untying the ropes when one of the steel frames then became unstable and fell on him, with another colleague managing to jump away in the nick of time.

Murugan suffered severe injuries to his head, ribs and heart, and was killed on the spot after essentially being crushed to death.

He was then pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, who arrived at the scene after receiving a call for help at about 11.30 am that day.

Investigation findings

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) investigated the accident and found that Hai Leck Engineering & Construction had not taken adequate safety measures.

The company had conducted a risk assessment for the structural engineering project, but they did not implement the appropriate risk control measures.

As a result, they failed to adequately ensure the stability of the load that Murugan and his colleagues were delivering.

MOM also found that the company had not established proper safety procedures or provided adequate guidance and information to its employees.

The S$200,000 fine is a reminder to all construction companies of the importance of workplace safety.

By taking the necessary precautions, companies can help to prevent accidents and protect their employees.

Key points

• Hai Leck Engineering & Construction was fined S$200,000 for safety violations that led to the death of a worker.
• The accident occurred when a 560kg steel beam fell off a lorry loader.
• The beam had been secured with only three ropes, which were not strong enough to prevent it from tipping over.
• The company had not taken adequate safety measures, including using suitable transport vehicles and securing equipment.
• MOM also found that the company had not established proper safety procedures or provided adequate guidance and information to its employees.

Images source: Google Maps and Shin Min Daily News.

Tragedy struck in Bukit Panjang on July 10 when a 70-year-old woman lost her life after being allegedly hit by a car along Bukit Panjang, according to a report by STOMP.

According to the police, the incident occurred at approximately 8pm along Bukit Panjang Ring Road towards Jelebu Road.

According to a resident who lives nearby, Nyi Yan Moe Htet, he share that he was at his home near the Segar LRT station at the time of the accident when he heard a loud bang, before doing downstairs to see what happened.

That was when he saw that there was a group of men gathered around the grass patch on the road divider and that there was a woman lying down on the ground, with a few of them checking the woman’s pulse.

Nyi added that the other eyewitnesses said that the woman was allegedly dashing across the street at the time, about 4 metres away from the nearest traffic light, when she got hit by a black car that was speeding.

The ambulance then arrived and paramedics performed cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the woman in an attempt to revive her, before carrying her away in a stretcher.

The police were also seen later arriving at the scene and questioning the driver, along with other witnesses.

The Singapore Police Force confirmed that the elderly woman had succumbed to her injuries and died, after being sent to the hospital unconscious.

The 41-year-old male driver who was involved in the accident is also currently assisting the police with their investigations and at the time of writing, police investigations are ongoing.

Other fatal traffic accidents

Just last month, a 46-year-old tourist from China who was in Singapore for the first day of his holiday was killed in Geylang after being hit by a car while crossing the street.

He was sent to Tan Tock Seng Hospital unconscious and later died from his injuries, and the driver involved int he accident is also being investigated by the police.

Image source: Nyi Yan Moe Htet

It was supposed to be a memorable family holiday, but for a Singaporean family visiting Johor Bahru (JB), their trip turned into a nightmare when they fell victim to a robbery, according to a report by Shin Min Daily News.

In a shocking incident, the thieves targeted their vehicle, smashing the windscreen and making away with valuable possessions, including cash and bags.

Went to JB for dinner

The unfortunate incident took place at approximately 6 pm on July 8th, near Taman Perling, JB.

The Singaporean family, consisting of seven members, including Ms. Guo, her husband, daughter, 77-year-old mother, two younger sisters, and brother-in-law, had arrived in JB in a minivan and stopped at a restaurant for dinner.

While they were enjoying their meal, their vehicle was targeted by thieves.

Upon returning to their vehicle, the family discovered the horrifying scene. The back seat was scattered with debris from the shattered window, and they noticed a mysterious dark blue dress, unfamiliar to all of them. It became apparent that they had fallen victim to a robbery.

The family quickly realized that their valuables were missing, including RM570 (S$164.49) in cash, bags belonging to Ms. Guo’s 15-year-old daughter and her sister’s mobile phone.

Understandably shaken by the incident, they promptly reported the robbery to the local police station in JB.

Ms. Guo expressed her relief that their vehicle was not stolen but emphasized the importance of the incident serving as a cautionary tale for others.

She hopes that this unfortunate experience will remind the public to be cautious and refrain from leaving valuables unattended in their vehicles.

Traveling to neighboring countries is a common practice for Singaporeans seeking a short getaway. Johor Bahru, with its proximity to Singapore, has always been a popular destination.

However, no one expects to become a victim of a crime while on vacation. This incident serves as a reminder that safety should always be a top priority, even in familiar surroundings.

Transport Minister S Iswaran is currently assisting with investigations with the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), who have reportedly uncovered a case that has prompted the need for a thorough inquiry involving Minister Iswaran and several others. The details of the case are yet to be disclosed to the public.

On July 5, the director of the CPIB personally briefed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong regarding the case. Seeking the Prime Minister’s concurrence, the director proposed the initiation of a formal investigation.

Among the individuals who would be interviewed during the investigation, Transport Minister S Iswaran was prominently mentioned. The Prime Minister’s Office released a statement confirming this development and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong granted his concurrence for the CPIB to proceed with a formal investigation.

The investigations were then commenced on 11 July.

Due to the sensitive nature of ongoing investigations, the CPIB added that they are unable to provide detailed information regarding the case at this time.

In light of the ongoing investigations, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has requested Transport Minister S Iswaran to take a temporary leave of absence.

During S Iswaran’s leave of absence, Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat will assume the role of Acting Minister for Transport.

CPIB’s press release

Minister S Iswaran is currently assisting the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (“CPIB”) with the investigation into a case uncovered by CPIB.

2. CPIB acknowledges the interest by members of the public in this case because a Minister is being interviewed by CPIB. As investigations are ongoing, CPIB is unable to provide further details. CPIB will investigate this case thoroughly with strong resolve to establish the facts and the truth, and to uphold the rule of law.

3. Singapore adopts a strict zero-tolerance approach towards corruption. CPIB investigates all cases without fear or favour and will not hesitate to take action against any parties involved in corrupt activities.

Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau

PM Lee’s statement

On 5 July 2023, Director CPIB briefed me on a case CPIB had uncovered, and sought my concurrence to open a formal investigation. This would involve interviewing Minister S Iswaran, among others.

I gave Director CPIB my concurrence on 6 July 2023, following which the formal investigation began on 11 July 2023. Minister Iswaran is currently assisting CPIB with the investigations, which are ongoing.

I have instructed Minister Iswaran to take leave of absence until these investigations are completed.

In Minister Iswaran’s absence, Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat will be Acting Minister for Transport.

. . . . .
PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
12 JULY 2023