November 2019 has been an accident-prone month in Singapore.

In this month alone, stories of migrant workers who lost their lives while working on construction projects at Sengkang, Balestier, and Novena have already been reported.

MOM to conduct 400 additional inspections in high-risk industries

According to a Facebook post by Minister of State for Manpower and National Development Zaqy Mohamad, there were eight workers who lost their lives while on the job.

Zaqy also revealed that most of these cases happened in high-risk industries, such as the construction and marine sectors.

"MOM takes every fatality very seriously and is investigating the accidents," he wrote.

Zaqy added that MOM will step up enforcement efforts by conducting 400 inspections in high-risk industries over the next two months on top of regular inspections.

This will ensure companies address workplace safety and health (WSH) risks.

The minister of state also urged construction firms to heed the Singapore Contractors Association Limited’s call to conduct a safety timeout and take stock of safety procedures at project sites.

"The safety of our workers is our utmost priority. I urge all stakeholders to stay vigilant especially as the festive season approaches and work activities may be increased to meet production schedules."

You can read his full post below:

"I am deeply concerned about the spate of fatal workplace accidents this month. Eight workers have lost their lives while on the job. Most of these cases happened in high-risk industries such as Construction and Marine. MOM takes every fatality very seriously and is investigating the accidents.

The safety of our workers is our utmost priority. I urge all stakeholders to stay vigilant especially as the festive season approaches and work activities may be increased to meet production schedules. Companies should carry out thorough risk assessments and put in place mitigating measures to reduce risks to workers.

MOM will also step up on enforcement efforts. On top of the regular inspections, we will conduct 400 inspections in high-risk industries over the next two months to ensure companies address workplace safety and health (WSH) risks.

At the same time, we will work closely with the WSH Council and the industry to safeguard workers and the public. We urge Construction firms to heed the Singapore Contractors Association Limited’s call to conduct a safety timeout and take stock of safety procedures at project sites.

WSH is everyone’s responsibility."

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Top image credit: ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images