Construction firms urged to take safety timeout of 2 weeks

Concerns rise as the 10 deaths between July and October is double from first 6 months

- Wong Yang

Construction companies are strongly encouraged by the authorities to impose a safety timeout from Nov 8 to 22, after workplace deaths in the sector between July and October doubled from the first half of 2024.

The safety timeout should focus on three areas identified, based on recent fatal incidents: Falling objects that may strike workers, vehicular safety, and safe lifting and rigging activities.

Senior management should engage with site teams and workers, review safety protocols and address safety concerns as part of their safety timeouts.

Government agencies will take the lead by calling on their contractors to impose timeouts at public sector construction worksites, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Ten construction workers died on the job in the four months from July to October, compared with five in the first six months of 2024.

This suggests a reduced emphasis on workplace safety and health (WSH) in the construction industry, MOM said on Nov 7.

As the festive season approaches, MOM added that "it is imperative that the sector remains vigilant and upkeep safety standards as companies may rush to meet deadlines before workers go on home leave".