Workplace fatalities in Singapore rise to 43 in 2024, with construction sector worst hit

SINGAPORE : The number of workplace deaths in Singapore increased to 43 in 2024, up from 36 in 2023, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The construction, transport and storage, and marine industries accounted for 80 per cent of the fatalities, with construction alone recording 20 deaths. Vehicular incidents were the leading cause of workplace fatalities, followed by suffocation or drowning and the collapse or breakdown of structures and equipment, MOM announced on 26 March. The workplace fatality rate also rose to 1.2 per 100,000 workers in 2024, up from 0.99 per 100,000 workers in 2023. This increase reverses the downward trend seen in previous years. In 2023, the fatality rate fell below the one-per-100,000 mark for the first time, excluding 2020, when workplace activities were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Construction sector sees highest fatalities

The construction sector remained the most hazardous, with 20 deaths in 2024, compared to 18 in 2023. Among the victims were a local site engineer and a Bangladeshi construction worker at a North-South Corridor worksite. Transport and storage recorded nine deaths in 2024, up from eight in 2023. The marine sector, which had no fatalities in 2023, saw five deaths in 2024. Two of these involved suffocation or drowning. Other sectors with reported fatalities included water supply, sewerage and waste management, which saw three deaths, and the manufacturing sector, which had two fatalities.

MOM targets marine sector safety

Speaking at a media briefing on 25 March, MOM announced plans to work with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore to enhance enforcement in the marine sector, particularly focusing on offshore contractors and divers. The ministry highlighted that some contractors were using scuba-diving equipment instead of commercial diving gear for convenience, compromising safety. MOM said it intends to tighten controls on diving permits and increase inspections in the marine sector in 2025.

Major injuries at workplaces reach historic low

Despite the rise in fatalities, Singapore recorded its lowest-ever rate of major workplace injuries in 2024. There were 587 major injuries, defined as severe non-fatal injuries such as amputations, blindness and paralysis. This was a slight decrease from 590 cases in 2023. The rate of major injuries fell to 15.9 per 100,000 workers. Slips, trips and falls, machinery incidents, and falls from height were the top causes of major injuries. The construction, manufacturing, and accommodation and food services industries accounted for 55 per cent of all major injuries, with 319 reported cases. Construction and manufacturing alone made up nearly half of all major workplace injuries in 2024.

Mixed results for construction and manufacturing safety

The number of major injuries in the construction sector fell by 2 per cent compared to 2023. Smaller-scale construction projects, such as renovation works, saw a 4 per cent decline in major injuries. However, larger-scale construction sites saw an increase in fatalities, from seven in 2023 to 13 in 2024. The number of major injuries in regular construction remained unchanged at 47 cases. Authorities had previously encouraged construction companies to impose voluntary safety time-outs to review safety protocols. MOM also increased enforcement efforts at construction sites in late 2024. Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector saw improvements, with major injuries decreasing from 150 in 2023 to 123 in 2024. Targeted inspections and a demerit point system contributed to a 20.1 per cent reduction in the fatal and major injury rate in metalworking. In the food and beverage sector, major injuries fell by 16.7 per cent, which MOM attributed to proactive engagement efforts with the Singapore Food Agency to promote workplace safety and health (WSH) best practices.

Minor workplace injuries and occupational diseases decline

The number of minor workplace injuries – those requiring medical leave or light duties – dropped by 2.9 per cent, from 22,161 cases in 2023 to 21,527 in 2024. Slips, trips and falls, machinery incidents, and workers being struck by moving objects accounted for half of these injuries. The health and social services, manufacturing, and accommodation and food services industries made up 46.8 per cent of all minor workplace injuries in 2024. Occupational diseases, such as noise-induced deafness, musculoskeletal disorders and skin diseases, also declined from 1,229 cases in 2023 to 899 in 2024. However, MOM noted that cases remain elevated compared to 2021 due to increased awareness and improved reporting of noise-induced deafness.

Workplace safety enforcement efforts

MOM conducted over 17,000 inspections in 2024, focusing on high-risk industries like construction, manufacturing, and marine. The ministry issued more than 16,000 enforcement actions under the WSH Act and Regulations. These included 1,500 composition fines amounting to over S$3.1 million and 58 stop-work orders. Additionally, 19 dangerous occurrences—incidents with the potential to cause serious injury or death—were reported in 2024, matching the number recorded in 2023. Most of these incidents involved the collapse of structures and equipment, fires, and explosions.

Outlook for workplace safety

MOM acknowledged that further improvements in workplace safety will take time. The ministry pointed to initiatives such as video surveillance systems and stricter safety criteria in construction tenders as long-term solutions to reducing workplace accidents. With increased inspections and enforcement measures planned for 2025, authorities hope to prevent another rise in workplace fatalities and maintain progress in reducing major injuries.