Workplace deaths rise to 43 in 2024; major injury rate falls

Construction, transport and storage, marine industries account for 80% of the deaths

- Esther Loi

The number of workplace deaths in Singapore crept up to 43 in 2024, after falling to 36 in 2023.

Vehicular incidents were the top cause, followed by suffocation or drowning, and the collapse or breakdown of structures and equipment, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on March 26.

The construction, transport and storage, and marine industries accounted for 80 per cent — or 34 — of the 43 workplace deaths, based on the latest yearly workplace safety and health (WSH) figures released by MOM.

The construction sector recorded 20 deaths in 2024, up from 18 in 2023.

The transport and storage sector accounted for nine deaths in 2024, up from eight in 2023.

The marine sector, which did not have any deaths in 2023, recorded five deaths in 2024, said MOM.

The water supply, sewerage and waste management industry had three deaths, and the manufacturing sector recorded two.