Written Answer to PQ on Struck-by-Falling-Objects Workplace Fatalities

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1245 OF 2026 FOR THE SITTING ON 8 SEPTEMBER 2026

QUESTION NO. 2829 FOR ORAL ANSWER

 

MP: Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye 

 

To ask the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) how many workplace fatalities from January to August 2026 involved workers being struck by falling objects; (b) whether the Ministry has identified any common causes or safety lapses contributing to such incidents; and (c) whether targeted measures will be  introduced to strengthen the prevention of such incidents.

 

 

1. From January to August 2026, there was one fatality in August from a worker being struck by falling objects.

 

2. The contributing factors to such incidents include equipment failure, unsafe worker behaviour or work procedures, and poor housekeeping practices. To address these risks, employers may refer to the Workplace Safety and Health  (WSH) Guidelines on Safeguarding Against Falling Objects, which provide practical guidance on areas such as conducting risk assessments, proper storage  of items, and the safe transfer of materials or goods.

 

3. Under the WSH Act, MOM already requires employers to ensure that workers are adequately trained to perform their work. The aforementioned WSH guidelines set out recommended training topics related to the prevention of and protection from falling objects. Additionally, as part of routine workplace safety inspections, MOM checks for falling object hazards such as inadequate scaffold netting to prevent tools, loose materials, and debris from falling and injuring  workers below. The WSH Council also issues advisories to encourage employers to remain vigilant and comply with existing guidelines. These advisories cover learning points from fatal incidents involving workers struck by falling objects.