Workplace Fatalities Involving Workers being Struck by Falling Objects and Common Causes Identified
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns workplace fatalities involving workers struck by falling objects between January and August 2026, their common causes, and preventive measures. Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Acting Minister for Manpower about fatality statistics, contributing safety lapses, and potential targeted measures. In response, Ms Jasmin Lau stated that one such fatality occurred in August 2026, attributed to equipment failure, unsafe worker behaviour or procedures, and poor housekeeping practices. She highlighted that Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) guidelines provide guidance on risk assessments, safe storage, material transfer, and recommended worker training under the WSH Act. Furthermore, the Ministry of Manpower inspects for hazards such as inadequate scaffold netting, while the WSH Council issues advisories covering learning points from fatal incidents.
Transcript
28 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) how many workplace fatalities from January to August 2026 involved workers being struck by falling objects; (b) whether the Ministry has identified any common causes or safety lapses contributing to such incidents; and (c) whether targeted measures will be introduced to strengthen the prevention of such incidents.
Ms Jasmin Lau: From January to August 2026, there was one fatality in August from a worker being struck by falling objects.
The contributing factors to such incidents include equipment failure, unsafe worker behaviour or work procedures and poor housekeeping practices. To address these risks, employers may refer to the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Guidelines on Safeguarding Against Falling Objects, which provide practical guidance on areas, such as conducting risk assessments, proper storage of items and the safe transfer of materials or goods.
Under the WSH Act, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) already requires employers to ensure that workers are adequately trained to perform their work. The aforementioned WSH guidelines set out recommended training topics related to the prevention of and protection from falling objects. Additionally, as part of routine workplace safety inspections, MOM checks for falling object hazards, such as inadequate scaffold netting, to prevent tools, loose materials and debris from falling and injuring workers below. The WSH Council also issues advisories to encourage employers to remain vigilant and comply with existing guidelines. These advisories cover learning points from fatal incidents involving workers struck by falling objects.