A 29-year-old worker lost his life after being struck by a reversing tipper truck at a Housing and Development Board (HDB) worksite in Yishun.
The incident, which occurred at 71 Lorong Chencharu, sparked authorities into action, with the driver of the truck—a 61-year-old man—subsequently being arrested for causing death by a rash act. The incident, which took place on a Friday morning, prompted a swift response from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), who pronounced the worker dead at the scene.
HDB, in response to inquiries, expressed deep concern over the fatal accident and emphasized the significance of workplace safety. They conveyed that all works on site have been halted until further notice and assured cooperation with authorities in the ongoing investigation.
Along with the contracting firms Yeng Tong Construction and Koh Kock Leong Enterprise, HDB pledged to extend support and assistance to the deceased worker’s family, acknowledging the emotional toll of the loss.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident, highlighting that the worker was engaged in site survey activities when the unfortunate accident occurred.
MOM stressed the importance of safety protocols, emphasizing the need for drivers to be guided by a banksman when operating in areas with limited visibility or where other workers are present. MOM also urged companies to adopt vehicular safety technologies to bolster operational safety.
Chencharu, an emerging housing precinct in Yishun earmarked for future development, saw this tragedy unfold on its grounds. With plans for a mixed-used integrated development in the pipeline, the loss of the worker serves as a stark reminder of the criticality of safety measures within construction sites.
MOM’s commitment to investigating the incident underscores the government’s dedication to upholding workplace safety standards.
As the community mourns the untimely passing of the worker, the focal point shifts towards regulatory enforcement and industry-wide collaborations to prevent such accidents in the future.
