Singapore workplace deaths 2023: 36 recorded, compared to 46 in 2022

Singapore's workplace fatality rate fell below 1 per 100,000 workers in 2023, a significant improvement from previous years.

Singapore has seen a decrease in workplace fatalities, with 36 workers losing their lives in 2023 compared to 46 in 2022. This decline is part of a trend that has continued from previous years, with 37 deaths in 2021, 30 in 2020, and 39 in 2019. Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad revealed these statistics at the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) U Safe Forum and Awards 2024. He also highlighted that the workplace fatality rate fell below 1 per 100,000 workers in 2023, marking the first time it has dropped below that threshold since 2020. This is a significant achievement, as only four OECD countries have consistently achieved such a rate. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) implemented a heightened safety period from September 2022 to May 2023 to combat this concerning trend.

However, despite reaching this milestone, Mohamad stressed the importance of continued vigilance and effort to maintain this improvement. He emphasized the need for proper risk assessment and management, thorough investigation of incidents, identifying underlying causes, and learning from mistakes to avoid repeating them. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has set a target of sustaining a workplace fatal injury rate of less than 1.0 per 10,000 workers by 2028.

In 2023, a series of significant workplace incidents prompted MOM to intensify its focus on workplace safety within the construction and industry sectors. The ministry pledged to implement stricter safety measures to reverse the concerning trend. Several tragic incidents, including the death of a 20-year-old Indian national worker when a wall at a demolition site collapsed on him, and a 33-year-old worker who was struck by a reversing wheel loader, have highlighted the need for increased safety measures.

MOM has expressed confidence that with sustained effort, Singapore can maintain low workplace fatality rates over the long term. However, the ministry remains committed to implementing stricter safety measures to prevent future workplace accidents and fatalities.