Of the 14 construction sites where workers died in the second half of 2024, nine were found to have had inadequate safety management systems, posing an imminent danger to those working there.
As a result, these sites were ordered to stop work, and were allowed to resume only after undertaking remedial measures, such as reviewing their safety systems, said Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad.
Giving these details in Parliament on Jan 7 in response to questions from five MPs about what was described as a worrying rise in fatal accidents here, Mr Zaqy called for the construction sector to step up on safety.
He also urged greater vigilance as the Chinese New Year period approaches and firms face time pressure to complete their projects.
At the same time, he asked for time to be given to the industry to respond to the suite of measures that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) rolled out in 2024 to reduce the number of worker deaths and injuries here.
These measures include requiring video surveillance systems to be installed at larger project sites, and placing more weight on safety considerations during public construction tender evaluations.
"I assure members that we are doing all we can," Mr Zaqy said.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Jessica Alba, Cash Warren reportedly heading for divorce
Another Hollywood romance has come to an end, it seems.
Model for Shrek's Donkey dies at age 30
Perry, a miniature donkey whose handlers said was used by DreamWorks animators as a model for the chatty Shrek (2001 to present) character named Donkey, died last week at the age of 30.
Wicked tops SAG Awards nominations
Hit musical Wicked topped the nominations on Jan 8 for the influential Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, which are key to Oscars glory, while Golden Globes darling The Brutalist received only one nod and Maria star Angelina Jolie was shut out.
Sammo Hung celebrates turning 73 with grandsons
Hong Kong action star and filmmaker Sammo Hung spent his 73rd birthday on Jan 7 with his two grandsons.
Emaviwe takes on new challenge with Chiangrai
At the start of the 2024 football season, Jordan Emaviwe outlined three key objectives for his campaign: To establish himself as a regular starter for Balestier Khalsa in the Singapore Premier League, secure a national team call-up, and earn a spot in the Lions squad for the Asean Championship.
XINGTONG BEATS NERVES
Teen qualifies for 2nd HSBC Women's World Championship, targets under-par round
REFEREE'S CALL CHANGED GAME, FUMES SLOT
Reds boss feels Bergvall should've been sent off, instead of staying on to get the winner
We all have point to prove: Potter
West Ham United's new boss Graham Potter said he has become a better manager following his ill-fated stint at Chelsea, who sacked him in April 2023.
'Right decision' on duo lifts Barca before semi win
Barcelona received a massive boost before their Spanish Super Cup semi-final win over Athletic Bilbao on Jan 8, with news that Dani Olmo and Pau Victor can play in the final, to the delight of Hansi Flick and his team.
'Novak can vent all he wants, as long as he gives his all'
Novak Djokovic's former rival-turned-coach Andy Murray does not want the Serb to suppress his emotions on court, and is even willing to be the target of any angry outbursts, as long as the 24-time Major winner gives his all at the Australian Open.
