SINGAPORE, Sept 8 — Singapore recorded 21 workplace deaths in the first half of 2026, lifting the annualised fatal injury rate to 1.1 per 100,000 workers, according to figures released today.
Vehicular incidents were the leading cause of death, accounting for nine cases, including four involving platform workers, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said, according to a report by CNA.
Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash said, “The all-time low in major injuries reflects the hard work of employers, workers and safety professionals,” but added that the rise in fatalities was a serious concern.
He said employers and workers must remain vigilant and prioritise workplace safety and health every day.
Major workplace injuries fell to 314 between January and June, and the annualised rate of 14.6 was the lowest on record outside the pandemic‑affected year of 2020.
MOM said platform worker fatalities are included in fatality statistics but excluded from major injury figures because robust data collection only began after the Platform Workers Act took effect in 2025.
The ministry said the overall fatal injury rate of 1.1 exceeds a target set in 2017 to keep the rate below 1 per 100,000 workers by 2028.
MOM told reporters that platform workers were not part of the original discussion when the target was set, but Singapore remains on track to meet it.
The ministry said it is reviewing further measures to strengthen ownership and accountability over workplace safety and health.
The review will cover the workplace safety demerit points system and assess whether the bizSAFE programme better reflects actual safety performance.
MOM said the review follows tighter penalties introduced in June after a spate of workplace deaths, including higher composition fines and tougher enforcement during a two‑week Safety Time‑Out.
The ministry said the situation has stabilised since the enforcement push.
MOM recorded 620 occupational disease cases in the first half of 2026, up from 485 in the same period last year.
The ministry said the rise reflects broader detection and stronger surveillance following expanded coverage under the Workplace Safety and Health Act and Work Injury Compensation Act from Dec 1, 2025.
MOM said the increase does not indicate a deterioration in workplace health standards.
There were 44 fatal and major injuries involving platform workers in the first half of 2026.
Vehicular incidents accounted for 38 of these cases, MOM said.
Delivery services made up 37 of the 44 cases, while seven occurred during ride‑hailing services.
Platform workers recorded an annualised fatal and major injury rate of 92.1 per 100,000 workers, down from 95.9 in the same period last year.
MOM said the rate remains substantially higher than those in construction, manufacturing and transportation and storage.
The ministry said platform work carries unique risks due to its autonomous nature and exposure to road conditions.
Traffic police data released in August showed road casualties have risen over the past three years.
Motorcyclists and pillion riders were involved in more than half of all traffic accidents in the first half of 2026.
MOM said two‑wheel vehicles are commonly used in delivery services and accounted for most platform worker fatalities and major injuries.
The ministry formed a Platform Worker Safety Workgroup in March to study measures such as training and support for safer riding and driving.
MOM said the workgroup includes government agencies, platform operators, the National Trades Union Congress and platform work associations, and will complete its work by end‑2026.
In July, the Multi‑Agency Workplace Safety and Health Taskforce was expanded to include the Ministry of Home Affairs and traffic police to tackle vehicular risks at workplaces.
Construction and manufacturing continued to account for most fatal and major injuries.
Construction recorded 69 fatal and major injuries in the first half of 2026, with an annualised rate of 24.1, the lowest since 2020.
MOM said smaller‑scale construction works saw a slight increase in injuries compared to the same period last year.
The ministry said it is reviewing measures to strengthen deterrence and accountability among contractors handling renovation and alteration works.
Manufacturing recorded 62 fatal and major injuries in the first half of 2026, with an annualised rate of 28.4.
Metalworking saw the largest increase, rising from 18 cases to 28, and MOM said it will maintain higher inspection frequency in the sector.
The ministry said inspections will focus on machinery safety and slip, trip and fall risks.
Dangerous occurrences fell to three in the first half of 2026, the lowest since 2010.
MOM said dangerous occurrences include prescribed incidents such as crane collapses or explosions.
Noise‑induced hearing loss and work‑related musculoskeletal disorders made up 80 per cent of occupational disease cases in the first half of 2026.
There were 354 cases of noise‑induced hearing loss and 142 cases of musculoskeletal disorders between January and June.
Skin diseases were the third most common occupational disease, with 66 cases recorded.
MOM said it will continue working with tripartite partners and the medical community to strengthen detection, reporting and management of occupational diseases.