In recent years, Singapore has made significant strides in workplace safety and health (WSH). The latest report for the first half (1H) of 2024 reveals that Singapore continues to build on the progress achieved in 2023. With ongoing efforts across industries, our national WSH performance is on par with the highest safety standards seen in developed countries, including those set by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an international organization of 38 member countries focused on promoting economic growth, sustainable development, and improved quality of life.
One of the most important indicators of workplace safety is the annualized fatal injury rate, which has remained steady at 1.0 per 100,000 workers. This rate matches Singapore’s best levels from 2023 and reflects that fewer workers are experiencing fatal injuries on the job. This rate is a major achievement for Singapore, comparable with top-performing OECD countries like the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany, which are known for their high WSH standards.
In addition to fatal injuries, the major injury rate—which includes incidents resulting in serious but non-fatal injuries—also shows improvement. The rate for 1H2024 stood at 16.0 per 100,000 workers, slightly better than in 1H2023 (17.4). This improvement reflects that Singapore’s efforts to manage workplace hazards and enforce WSH standards are making a difference.
While the Construction, Manufacturing, and Transportation & Storage sectors remain the main contributors to workplace injuries, they also show positive trends. In 1H2024, the proportion of fatal and major injuries from these sectors decreased from 63% in 1H2023 to 54%. Both Construction and Manufacturing saw noticeable improvements, thanks to stronger safety regulations and enforcement efforts.
The Construction sector continues to be the largest contributor to fatal and major injuries, accounting for 26% of incidents. However, while there was a slight increase in injuries at larger construction sites (from 28 in 1H2023 to 31 in 1H2024), these numbers are still far below the 43 incidents recorded in 1H2022. To further enhance safety, the Multi-Agency Workplace Safety and Health Taskforce (MAST) implemented new measures in early 2024, such as:
These initiatives are part of MAST’s SAFE (Safety Accountability, Focus, and Empowerment) measures, which help to improve accountability and safety at construction sites.
The Manufacturing sector also achieved significant improvements, with a decrease in fatal and major injuries from 92 in 1H2023 to 60 in 1H2024. This reduction is likely due to more rigorous inspections and the Demerit Point System introduced in October 2023. This system penalizes companies with repeated safety violations, encouraging them to prioritize worker safety.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) remains committed to upholding high WSH standards through enforcement and inspections. In the first half of 2024 alone, MOM conducted over 3,000 inspections across various industries, focusing on areas like slips, trips, falls, machinery safety, and falls from height. These inspections led to over 7,000 enforcement actions, including:
These enforcement measures send a strong message to all companies that worker safety is non-negotiable.
Singapore’s positive WSH performance is a collective achievement. Employers and workers across all sectors are encouraged to continue prioritizing safety and health. The MOM and MAST are committed to building a culture of WSH excellence, especially in light of recent incidents in Construction and Marine. Moving forward, MOM calls on all stakeholders to stay vigilant and embrace safety best practices.
Ministry of Manpower. (2024). Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Performance Report, 1H2024. Published on 9 October 2024
https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/2024/1009-singapore-wsh-performance-in-1h2024-shows-sustained-progress-from-2023
Manual handling tasks are an integral part of many workplaces, yet they pose significant risks…
Workplace safety is a top priority, especially when it comes to handling hand tools. Whether…
Ensuring safe Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) operations is critical for maintaining workplace safety. Eversafe…
For WSH professionals looking to deepen their expertise and enhance their training capabilities, Eversafe Academy…
Managing hazardous substances at the workplace is a critical responsibility that requires specialized knowledge and…
For professionals in workplace safety, occupational hygiene, and building management, maintaining good indoor air quality…
