Another Workplace Fatality, Workplace Fatalities exceed 2021 numbers

Yet another fatality in a workplace in Singapore. This time a 69-year-old cleaner was killed by reversing lorry at Hougang 1 mall. This brings up the number of workplace fatalities to 38 in 2022. Its only October and that means it has exceeded the 37 workplace deaths reported for the whole 2021.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said the fatal accident took place at Hougang 1 shopping mall at 1 Hougang Street 91, at about 9.50am on 5 Oct 2022.

The 69 year old cleaner was hit by a reversing lorry at the loading/unloading bay. He was then taken to Sengkang General Hospital but he succumbed to his injuries.

The general rule of thumb for reversing lorries is to have a trained banksman to guide them. At the same time people in the vicinity should be alert to dangers and hazards.

Just in September 2022 after a string of workplace fatalities this year, the Ministry of Manpower MOM imposed a mandatory safety time-out for the first time.

The Ministry of Manpower had also been conducting compliance checks from Oct 1, and has said it will debar errant companies from employing new foreign employees for one month.