Singapore Government Press Release
Media Relations Division, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts,
MITA Building, 140 Hill Street, 2nd Storey, Singapore 179369
Tel: 6837-9666

Preliminary investigations by MOM into the accident at Fusionpolis construction site showed that a steel latticework that was to form part of the foundation of Fusionpolis building collapsed when the steel chairs supporting the top layer of steel bars gave way. Two workers were killed and 29 injured when the supports gave way causing a hail of heavy steel bars to crash down on them.

A stop work order has been issued to Greatearth-United Engineers Joint Venture, the main contractor at the worksite. As an added safety precaution, MOM will also inspect all other worksites managed by the company to ensure that the necessary worker safety measures are in place.

Contrary to speculations by some, the Fusionpolis accident was not caused by the MRT Circle Line construction because tunneling work on it has not started. This accident is unrelated to and unlike the Nicoll Highway incident. While the cause of these two major accidents were unrelated, both have resulted in the loss of lives and injuries to workers. The Ministry takes the safety and welfare of all workers seriously and will be stepping up its enforcement efforts to prevent the further loss of lives through industrial accidents.

Sound Safety Procedures in Singapore

The existing legal framework and requirements for safety management systems at construction worksites is rigorous and comparable to international standards. As a result, the number of accidents and deaths has been declining over the years in all industries including the construction sector. However, MOM would like to remind occupiers and contractors to comply with the safety requirements and ensure that the workplace is safe. The Occupational Safety Department will step up inspections of factories and safety checks at construction sites. Legal action and stop work orders will be imposed on those who violate safety regulations.

MOM will be sending out letters to all construction companies to encourage employers and main contractors to make the safety of their workers their top priority and responsibility. MOM will also organise a seminar to brief all safety personnel and managers. The seminar will draw lessons from the two recent incidents, and reinforce the importance of the safety of workers as a top priority. We must work together to reduce the loss of precious lives, to our country as well as the families that depend on these workers.

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