Singapore tightens workplace safety measures, increases fines and mandates surveillance on construction sites

SINGAPORE — Starting from June, companies found breaching safety regulations will face a steeper maximum fine of $50,000, as the government tightens measures under the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act.

Additionally, construction sites with contracts worth S$5 million or more will be required to install surveillance cameras to monitor safety compliance, serving both as a deterrent to unsafe practices and a tool for investigating safety-related incidents.

This enhancement of penalties, effective from 1 June, targets industries committing major offences under the WSH Act Subsidiary Legislation, which contribute significantly to workplace deaths, serious injuries, or dangerous incidents like explosions.

Common violations include the lack of protective structures to prevent falls, failing to appoint qualified personnel for critical roles, and neglecting the maintenance and inspection of equipment such as cranes and scaffolds.

Despite a notable reduction in workplace fatalities and major injuries in 2023, which saw 36 workers lose their lives — a 21.7% decrease from 46 in 2022 — and major injuries drop to 590 from 614, authorities are determined to avoid complacency.

“We don’t want to have a situation where we are complacent. We don’t want to be a one-hit wonder,” stated Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad during a site visit at Serangoon Polyclinic’s ongoing construction across Nex shopping mall and Serangoon MRT station.

While 2023 marked a record low in workplace incidents, the memories of higher rates in preceding years loom large. “We had a record low year last year, but let’s bear in mind as well that in the year before that we were still grappling with high (fatality and major injury) rates. Therefore, we wanted to ensure that this is sustainable over time,” Mr Zaqy elaborated.

During his visit, the media were shown the WSH measures implemented by Zheng Keng Engineering and Construction, the project’s main contractor. Innovations include a video surveillance system that ensures workers wear their helmets and vests correctly.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) explained that the increased fines are intended to foster greater ownership and accountability for workplace safety, especially among senior leaders who influence safety cultures within companies.

Although the construction sector showed improvements in 2023, it remained a significant contributor to workplace fatalities and major injuries. A multi-agency workplace safety task force had initially announced these measures in May 2023, clarifying that the costs would be borne by the companies.

Acknowledging the financial implications, Mr Zaqy emphasized the overarching importance of worker safety. “This should not be a cost consideration because this is about saving lives. Every life is precious, and certainly, you want to move towards zero tolerance for any fatality,” he affirmed.

The new Polyclinic in Upper Serangoon is expected to open its doors in 2025.