The number of workplace fatalities fell to 41 in 2018, marking a 60 per cent drop since the Workplace Safety and Health Act was enacted in 2006.
The figure was revealed in the National Workplace Safety and Health Report released by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on 21 February 2019.
Fall from heights, slips, trips and falls, and vehicular-related incidents remained the top causes of fatal injuries in 2018.
More workplace fatalities occurred in the construction sector in 2018 compared to 2017 and it remained the top contributor for workplace injuries. There were 12 fatalities in the sector in 2017 and 14 fatalities in 2018.
Despite a record low in workplace fatalities in 2018, the number of major and minor injuries increased.
The number of major injuries increased to 596 in 2018 from 574 in 2017 – an increase of 22 cases.
There were 291 more minor injuries in 2018 than in 2017 – 12,173 and 11,882 respectively.
In 2018, MOM conducted more than 4,800 inspections, with almost 2,700 inspections carried out in the construction sector.
The ministry uncovered more than 9,000 WSH breaches and 69 Stop-Work Orders (SWOs) were issued.
Responding to the report, Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad said: “Despite a dip in workplace fatalities last year, the rise in workplace injuries is a cause for concern, such as the rising number of slips, trips and falls in lower-risk industries.
“We are looking at ways to encourage more companies to take the initiative to improve WSH standards. Businesses must see the benefits good WSH can bring, adopt progressive work practices and new technologies to help them improve WSH at their workplaces.”
