Worker, 29, dies after being hit in chest by equipment at Tengah BTO site

A 29-year-old construction worker has died in hospital after he was hit in the chest by the hose of a concrete pump truck.

The incident occurred at the construction site of the Plantation Edge I and II Build-to-Order (BTO) project in Tengah on Jan. 2 at about 8:40pm.

Worker carrying out casting works

In response to Mothership's queries, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said that the worker had been carrying out casting works using a concrete pump truck when one of the truck's four outriggers punctured through the concrete ground it was sitting on.

This caused the machine to tilt.

The worker was struck by the concreting hose of the truck as a result.

He was conveyed to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Outriggers refer to the retractable legs that are used to provide stability and prevent a concrete pump truck from tipping over.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) said the worker was taken to Gleneagles Hospital at Napier Road, where he died from his injuries, according to The Straits Times.

The police said they were alerted at about 1:05am on Jan. 3, 2025, to a hospital case involving the passing of a 29-year-old man who was seeking medical attention due to a work-related accident along Plantation Crescent.

Based on preliminary investigations, the police said they do not suspect foul play.

Employed with Keong Hong Construction since 2019

In response to media queries, Keong Hong Construction said the worker received immediate medical attention after the accident.

In addition, operations at the construction site have been put on hold, pending the outcome of investigations.

Keong Hong Construction added that the worker had been in its employment since 2019.

Both MOM and Keong Hong Construction said they are in contact with the worker's family and are providing them with support, including financial assistance.

The company said, according to ST:

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

We take worker safety very seriously, and while the investigation is in progress, we are reviewing our safety protocols and procedures to prevent such incidents in the future."

MOM, HDB, police and contractor involved in investigations

Both the police and MOM said they are investigating the incident.

HDB also said it takes a serious view of the incident and is working with Keong Hong Construction to assist in investigations.

"We will continue to work with our industry partners to strengthen workplace safety at our worksites," HDB added.

The MOM spokesperson said:

"As a general safety measure, employers and contractors must ensure that the outriggers of machinery are fully extended and rest on a stable, level foundation or base plates with adequate strength to ensure stability during operations."

The ministry also reminded contractors and workers to "remain alert" ahead of the Chinese New Year period, which typically sees companies facing time pressures to complete projects.

"MOM will continue with our enhanced enforcement efforts during this period. There must be no compromises on workplace safety at all times," the spokesperson said.

Top photo via HDB