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.