A 36-year-old Bangladeshi construction worker passed away after falling 10m through a skylight at a work site in Tuas on the afternoon of Oct. 22, 2023.

The worker was installing solar panels on the rooftop of a workshop when the incident took place.

The aftermath of the incident was also captured in a photo by an onlooker who subsequently uploaded the photo to Facebook page Complaint Singapore Unrestricted.

In the photo, two paramedics could be seen attending to the worker while three other workers stood behind them.

MOM investigating

In response to Mothership's queries, a Ministry of Manpower (MOM) spokesperson confirmed that a fatal workplace incident had taken place at 12 Tuas South Street 2 on Sunday at around 2pm.

After the fall, the construction worker was conveyed to the National University Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on the same day.

The spokesperson also revealed that the occupier of the worksite is Energetix Pte. Ltd., and the employer of the deceased is BBG Electrical Engineering Pte. Ltd.

"MOM has instructed the occupier to stop all work at height activities at the worksite and is investigating the incident," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also reminded companies that as a general safety measure, work-at-height fall prevention measures, such as the use of travel restraints and fall arrest systems, must be communicated to the workers involved and implemented onsite.

Migrant Workers' Centre to extend goodwill payout to deceased's family

In a Facebook post published on Tuesday, the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) revealed that the deceased's employer has arranged for the repatriation of the worker's remains to his family in Bangladesh.

MWC has also established contact with the employer to gather all relevant information pertaining to the incident while offering guidance and support on the filing of the incident report to make claims under the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA).

While the worker's next-of-kin await compensation through WICA, MWC said it will extend an ex-gratia payout from the Migrant Workers' Assistance Fund to provide them with interim financial assistance.

"We are also ready to assess and address any urgent needs and assistance required," added MWC.

At the same time, MWC will offer counselling services to workers who were present at the scene of the incident through its partner organisations when the need arises, shared the centre.

Migrant workers who require assistance can contact MWC via its 24-hour helpline at 6536 2692.

At least 21 reported workplace fatalities since 2023

The incident on Sunday will bring the total number of reported workplace fatalities since the beginning of 2023 to at least 21, according to The Straits Times.

Approximately two weeks ago, another 29-year-old Bangladeshi construction worker passed away after being hit by a material waste bucket and falling 10 storeys to the ground at a BTO construction site in Sembawang.

Top image via Complaint Singapore Unrestricted/Facebook