Workplace Fatalities Involving Workers being Struck by Falling Objects and Common Causes Identified

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked 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.

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

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.

Under the WSH Act, the Ministry of Manpower (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.