Singapore recorded more workplace fatalities in 2022 than in 2021

Construction, transportation, and storage & manufacturing were the top contributors, collectively accounting for about 65% of such cases in the year.

Singapore recorded more workplace fatalities in 2022 than in 2021, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has shared.

In particular, according to the ministry's Workplace Safety & Health Report 2022, released on Tuesday (4 April 2023), the workplace fatality rate per 100,000 workers was 1.3 in 2022, up from 1.1 recorded in 2021.

Details on workplace fatalities and injuries in 2022

In 2022, the total number of fatal injuries reported at the workplace stood at 46. Of these, seven were due to work-related traffic accidents. In comparison, 37 workplace fatalities were recorded in 2021, of which six were due to work-related traffic accidents.

By industry, construction, transportation, and storage & manufacturing accounted for the highest numbers of fatalities in 2022, at 14, nine, and seven respectively, in 2022. Collectively, they accounted for about 65% of all workplace fatalities in 2022.

In terms of workplace fatality rate, the rate per 100,000 workers in the transportation & storage industry decreased to 3.4 in 2022, from 3.6 in 2021. Similarly, the rate in the construction industry decreased to 2.9 in 2022, from 3.3 in 2021.

In contrast, an increase was observed in manufacturing – from 1.0 in 2021 to 1.7 in 2022.

These three industries were also leading industries for major injuries and accounted for 55% of all major injuries in 2022. Within these industries, SMEs had poorer WSH performance as compared to larger firms, MOM noted.

Next, taking into account the growing workforce as well as the Heightened Safety Period (HSP) measures put in place by MOM, a slight dip was observed in the major injury rate per 100,000 workers – from 18.5 in 2021 (610 major injuries), to 17.3 in 2022 (614 major injuries). 

Finally, looking at minor injuries, the report noted:

• A total of 21,106 workers sustained minor injuries at the workplace, with at least one day of medical leave or light duty, recording 596 injuries per 100,000 workers.
• At the same time, 11,915 workers sustained workplace minor injuries, with at least four days of medical leave or 24 hours of hospitalisation, recording 336 injuries per 100,000 workers.

Details on dangerous occurrences in 2022

Apart from the above, the report also shed light on the dangerous occurrences reported in 2022. In total, 27 cases were reported to MOM in the year, more than double the number reported in 2021 (13). Among these cases, 20 involved collapse/failure of structures and equipment, and seven involved fires and explosions. As further shared, the increase in the number of dangerous occurrences recorded in the year was attributed to the increase in crane-related incidents in construction.

By industry, the top contributor to the number of dangerous occurrences was, in fact, the construction industry, which accounted for 56% of the cases (15). This was followed by manufacturing, which accounted for 33% (nine cases).

Details on occupational diseases in 2022

Last, the report also highlighted details on the occupational diseases that occurred in 2022. On a whole, 1,052 cases were confirmed in the year, 60% more than what was confirmed the year before (659). Consequently, an increase in incidence rate was also recorded – standing at 29.7 per 100,000 workers in 2022, up from 20.0 in 2021.

This increase, MOM stated, was largely driven by the rise in reported noise-induced deafness cases due to the ongoing Enhanced Workplace Health Surveillance (WHS+) efforts and increased awareness in reporting amongst doctors and employers.

By industry, manufacturing was the top contributor to such diseases in 2022 with 506 confirmed cases, followed by construction and health & social services with 94 and 78 confirmed cases, respectively. These industries collectively accounted for 64% (678 cases) of all confirmed occupational disease cases in 2022.

Work injury claims and payout

Taking into account the above, the total number of work injury claims awarded increased by 10% from 23,207 cases in 2021 to 25,566 cases in 2022. This was contributed by the increase in the number of both temporary & permanent incapacities in 2022.

Due to the increase in the number of cases, the total compensation payout awarded consequently rose by 12% – from S$108.97mn in 2021, to S$122.26mn in 2022.

Commenting on the report findings, Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad said: "Despite fewer workplace fatalities during the HSP, major injuries still went up in that period. This is an area of concern, as major injuries can be debilitating and reflect persistent safety lapses at workplaces. The Ministry will continue with its enforcement and education efforts to support companies in strengthening their WSH standards. But we cannot do this alone. Employers and employees must play their part and take ownership of WSH.

"2022 is sombre reminder of what happens when safety is put on the back burner. Let’s chart a new path together. With the commitment from all stakeholders, we can get back on track to achieve our WSH 2028 goals!"

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Image: MOM