Safety Lapses in Two Recent Fall-from-height Deaths for Construction of Jurong Region Line
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns safety lapses in two fatal fall-from-height incidents during the Jurong Region Line construction, as raised by Mr Ng Chee Meng. Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng stated that investigations are ongoing and specific details on identified lapses cannot be provided yet. He emphasized that such work is governed by the Workplace Safety and Health (Work at Heights) Regulations, requiring guardrails, decking, and safe access. Contractors are also required to implement fall prevention plans, permit-to-work systems, and supervision while following the Approved Code of Practice for Working Safely at Heights. The Ministry of Manpower will continue reviewing findings from these cases to introduce additional safety measures and strengthen controls where necessary.
Transcript
75 Mr Ng Chee Meng asked the Minister for Manpower in relation to the two fatal fall-from-height incidents reported during the construction of the Jurong Region Line (a) what safety lapses or non-compliance were identified; and (b) whether the Government has further measures planned to strengthen fall-prevention controls and supervision for work at height to prevent similar incidents across the Jurong Region Line.
Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) shares the Member's concern over the two fatal fall-from-height incidents during the construction of the Jurong Region Line. As investigations are ongoing, we are currently unable to provide further details on both incidents.
Work-at-height activities, including those for the Jurong Region Line construction, are subjected to the Workplace Safety and Health (Work at Heights) Regulations, which have in place provisions for control measures. They include physical measures, such as proper guardrails, decking and safe access and egress. Other measures include implementing a fall prevention plan, a permit-to-work system and adequate supervision for work-at-height activities. Contractors are required to comply with these requirements. They may refer to the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for Working Safely at Heights for practical guidance on how to comply with the Regulations.
MOM will continue to learn from past construction safety incidents, including from the recent Jurong Regional Line incidents and put in place additional safety measures where required.