Tackling Driver Fatigue, and Workplace Fatalities and Injuries of SME Workers in Construction Sector
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns strategies to address driver fatigue and workplace safety within the construction sector, particularly among small and medium enterprises. Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye inquired about plans to reduce vehicular accidents following high fatalities in the first half of 2025, to which Minister Dr Tan See Leng responded by emphasizing the promotion of Fatigue Management Guidelines and safety technologies like distraction-detecting sensors. Minister Dr Tan See Leng also detailed intensified inspections of small-scale projects and mandatory audits for companies with major injuries to prevent recurrence. Furthermore, the Ministry of Manpower will support SMEs through the StartSAFE programme and technological solutions to build internal safety capabilities.
Transcript
97 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what are the Ministry’s plans to tackle driver fatigue given that vehicular accidents were the top cause of workplace fatalities based on the Workplace Safety and Health statistics for first half of 2025; and (b) whether more can be done to reduce workplace fatalities and injuries among SMEs in the construction sector which contributes a high number of accidents.
Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will continue to engage employers and industry associations to raise awareness of the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Guidelines on Fatigue Management, which include practical guidance in areas like providing rest breaks and managing shift work. In addition, we will continue to promote the adoption of vehicular safety technologies, such as cameras and sensors, that companies can deploy on their vehicles. These technologies can improve the situational awareness of drivers and warn them of collision risks as well as help detect signs of driver fatigue or distraction.
To the Member's second query, MOM has stepped up our inspections targeted at smaller-scale construction works throughout 2025. These include recent operations focused on solar panel installation works, renovation projects in major shopping malls and small residential projects, especially during festive seasons when work may be rushed to meet deadlines. We also require companies with major injuries to engage appointed auditors to carry out audits and address gaps to prevent recurrence.
Beyond enforcement, MOM will continue to work with our partners to help small and medium enterprises build up their internal WSH capabilities, such as through the StartSAFE programme and greater adoption of technology solutions.