In a devastating turn of events, another worksite accident has claimed the life of a construction worker, just three days after a fatal incident in Jurong. This time, the accident occurred at a worksite within Changi Airport.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of this tragic incident.
What happened?
On July 13th, at approximately 4.45pm, a fatal accident took place at the Changi East Perimeter Roadway, a worksite within Changi Airport, which is being developed by the Changi Airport Group (CAG).
The victim, a 30-year-old Indian national, was operating a skid-steer loader, a compact machine used for material movement, at the time and was hit by a broken component within the cabin, causing severe injuries.
Despite the immediate medical attention, a doctor who attended to him subsequently pronounced him dead at the scene.
A photo of the aftermath was shared online, showing the workers lifeless inside the cabin of the loader, covered in blood with the blood dripping all over the machine. (Warning: Graphic images, viewer discretion is advised.)
Changi Airport expansion
The Changi East Perimeter Roadway worksite is part of the development project led by the Changi Airport Group (CAG). The occupier of the site is Hock Lian Seng Infrastructure – CES_SDC JV, a joint venture between Hock Lian Seng Infrastructure and Chip Eng Seng Corporation.
MOM has since initiated an investigation into the accident and as a precautionary measure, MOM ordered the joint venture, Hock Lian Seng Infrastructure – CES_SDC JV, to cease all machinery operations at the Changi Airport worksite.
MP Melvin Yong responds
[Another workplace fatality]
I am most saddened to learnt that another worker lost his life whilst at work, a mere 3 days after the last workplace fatality on 10 July 2023.
I cannot emphasise enough that workplace safety and workers’ lives are something that everyone must care about.
All companies must have a rigorous maintenance regime for their equipment, by putting in place regular checks in addition to scheduled preventive maintenance. Pre-work check for equipment and the work surroundings must be done dutifully before actual operations to ensure that there would not be any equipment malfunction or other potential occurrences that would compromise workers’ and others’ safety.
In the event that the equipment or environment is not deemed to be safe during any of the checks, it is pertinent that workers are encouraged and empowered to speak up and inform the relevant personnel, and not resume operations until the issues have been resolved. Similarly, companies need to act swiftly when such feedback is received and put workers’ safety ahead of work and productivity.
To date, there have been 5 workplace fatalities less than 2 months out of the heightened safety period implemented by the Ministry of Manpower. I intend to file an adjournment motion in the Parliament next month to highlight the Labour Movement’s concerns; ask for the Government’s response to the recent spate of workplace fatalities; and propose what more can be done to enhance the workplace safety, so that everyone can return safety to their homes after the end of a work day.
A safe workplace is a fundamental right of every worker.
Images source: Facebook