Lucy Robinson
Updated on: October 15, 2024 3:50 pm GMT
A tragic accident at a construction site on Sentosa Island has raised serious concerns about safety in the workplace. A 44-year-old Bangladeshi construction worker died after being struck by a steel structure during lifting operations at the site of the expansion for the Singapore Oceanarium.
Details of the Incident
The accident happened on the morning of September 29, 2024, at approximately 8 a.m. at 8 Sentosa Gateway. Authorities, including the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), reported that as part of the lifting operations, a portion of the steel structure collapsed, hitting the worker. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a paramedic from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
Investigation Underway
Police were alerted to the incident shortly after it occurred. They disclosed that no foul play is suspected and that investigations are currently ongoing. The MOM has ordered the contractor, Sunray Woodcraft Construction, to halt all lifting activities at the site until further notice.
“As a general safety measure, lifting equipment and supporting structures must be properly designed, installed, and inspected,” a representative from the MOM stated. This incident has reignited discussions about safety protocols in construction sites, particularly in busy and high-profile locations like Resorts World Sentosa (RWS).
Background on the Construction Work
The accident took place at a site that has been undergoing changes since the closure of the Maritime Experiential Museum in March 2020. This area is designated for the expansion of the S.E.A. Aquarium, which is being transformed into the Singapore Oceanarium. Notably, this new oceanarium will be three times the size of the S.E.A. Aquarium and will include a research and learning center.
The project began in recent years, aiming to enhance the visitor experience at RWS. However, the exact completion date remains unannounced. A spokesperson for RWS confirmed that both the contractor and RWS are cooperating fully with investigation authorities.
Workplace Safety Statistics
This unfortunate incident contributes to ongoing concerns about workplace safety in Singapore. According to statistics from the MOM, there were 36 fatal workplace accidents recorded in 2023. This was an improvement compared to 46 fatalities in 2022 and 37 in 2021, highlighting a slow but steady trend toward increased safety in the construction sector.
However, the loss of life in any accident is a profound tragedy. MOM continues to stress the importance of safety measures in all construction activities. They emphasize that constant training and adherence to safety regulations are essential to prevent such incidents.
Community Response
<pThe accident has elicited responses from various sectors of the community. Many are calling for a renewed focus on occupational safety within the construction industry. Construction workers face numerous risks daily, and incidents like these highlight the need for stringent safety practices in all operations.
Safety advocates urge construction companies to implement more rigorous training programs for workers. Ensuring that workers understand the dangers of their environment can help reduce the chances of such tragic accidents occurring again.
Conclusion
The death of the 44-year-old worker is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of safety in construction and other high-risk jobs. As investigations continue, it is crucial for the industry to learn from this tragedy and enhance safety measures to protect workers. Addressing these safety issues is not only a legal requirement but a moral obligation to ensure that everyone returns home safely at the end of the day.
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