INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS

Mr Yeo Guat Kwang asked the Minister for Manpower how many industrial accidents resulting in death and serious injuries were recorded in 2002 and whether there was any improvement in the safety record compared with previous years.

Dr Lee Boon Yang: There were a total of 3,388 industrial accidents in 2002. This is a reduction of about 11 % compared with 2001. However, the number of fatal industrial accidents increased from 52 cases in 2001 to 64 cases in 2002, an increase of about 23%. Out of this increase of 12 fatal cases, 11 cases occurred in the construction industry. The number of permanent disablement cases also increased from 83 to 93, an increase of 12% over the same period.

However, when compared to accidents in 2000, the safety performance in 2002 was still better. Nevertheless, MOM will continue with its efforts to enforce safety regulations and to remind all contractors and factory occupiers to pay particular attention to safety at work.