Key Lessons from Fatal Workplace Incident at Choa Chu Kang Waterworks
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the key lessons drawn from the fatal workplace incident at PUB's Choa Chu Kang Waterworks in May 2024 and whether public sector procurement governance will be strengthened for higher-risk works, raised by Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye to the Acting Minister for Manpower. Ms Jasmin Lau responded that specific lessons cannot be discussed as the case involving worker fatalities from hydrogen sulphide gas exposure is before the Courts. She emphasised that confined space operations require strict compliance with established safety measures, including pre-entry atmospheric testing, proper risk assessments, and suitable respiratory protective equipment. Employers must also station a trained person outside confined spaces to monitor personnel, maintain communication, and assist in emergencies. Additionally, the Ministry of Manpower regularly shares safety insights with public agencies and may recommend strengthening their practices and contractor safety supervision where necessary.
Transcript
42 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) what key lessons have been drawn from the fatal workplace incident at PUB's Choa Chu Kang Waterworks in May 2024; and (b) whether the Ministry will require public sector procuring entities to strengthen governance over workplace safety and health by incorporating lessons learnt into contractor selection, supervision and performance evaluation for higher-risk works.
Ms Jasmin Lau: The incident at Choa Chu Kang Waterworks involved three workers, employed by Stargroup Est. Pte Ltd and its subcontractor, who collapsed after entering an enclosed passage beneath a water treatment tank during cleaning operations. They had been exposed to hydrogen sulphide gas. Two of the workers subsequently passed away. As the case is before the Courts, we are unable to comment on the specific lessons that could be learnt.
The incident underscores that confined space work presents serious risks and must not be treated as routine. There are well-established safety procedures to protect workers entering confined spaces. Employers must conduct proper risk assessments before such work commences, test the atmosphere before entry and provide appropriate respiratory protective equipment where required. Employers should also implement a safe system of work, which includes ensuring that a trained person is stationed outside the confined space at all times to monitor workers inside, maintain communication with them and render assistance in emergencies.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has regular platforms with agencies to share Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) insights, such as lessons learnt from past incidents. MOM may also recommend strengthening agencies' WSH practices, including safety supervision of their contractors, where necessary.