The number of workplace fatalities in Singapore rose to 43 in 2024, up from 36 in 2023, despite the nation recording its lowest workplace major injury rate of 15.9 per 100,000 workers over the last decade in 2024.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) revealed on 26 March 2025 the figures in the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Report 2024.
The new figures bring the workplace fatality figures to 1.2 per 100,000 for 2024, up from 0.99 per 100,000 in 2023.
MOM said the data “underscores the need for all stakeholders to consistently remain vigilant and prioritise WSH”, a sentiment echoed by NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Melvin Yong.
Mr Yong said: “NTUC is very concerned with the increase in workplace fatalities from 36 in 2023 to 43 in 2024. This is not just a statistic, because every number represents one life lost, and that is one too many.”
He added that the construction and marine sectors, which recorded 20 and five fatalities in 2024, needed closer attention.
Last year, the marine industry recorded its highest workplace fatal and major injury rate since 2018, reaching 35.8 per 100,000 workers (22 injuries) in 2024.
The construction and manufacturing sectors improved their fatal and major injury rates but remained the leading contributors in 2024, with 166 and 125 injuries respectively.
The construction sector's workplace fatal and major injury rate declined from 31.9 per 100,000 workers (167 injuries) in 2023 to 31.0 (166 injuries) in 2024.
However, its fatal injury rate rose from 3.4 (18 deaths) to 3.7 (20 deaths).
With construction demand expected to rise in 2025, the MOM said the industry must remain vigilant and uphold strict safety standards.
MOM and the Multi-Agency Workplace Safety and Health Taskforce (MAST) will continue prioritising high-risk sectors, strengthening WSH capabilities for smaller firms, and testing new safety technologies for improved hazard detection.
Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector significantly improved its fatal and major injury rate, dropping from 36.3 per 100,000 workers (155 injuries) in 2023 to 29.3 (125 injuries) in 2024.
The metalworking industry saw a 20.1 per cent decline, falling from 58.1 (61 injuries) to 46.4 (48 injuries), driven by targeted inspections and the extension of the Demerit Point System for WSH breaches in October 2023.
The food & beverages industry also improved, with a 16.7 per cent reduction from 62.3 (38 injuries) to 51.9 (33 injuries).
The marine industry’s fatal and major injury rate rose due to an increase in fatalities from zero to five between 2023 and 2024.
Four deaths occurred during vessel work at anchorage, and two involved diving operations with systemic safety lapses.
MOM said that it has intensified enforcement and will continue to take strict action against rule violations together with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
From findings of past cases, Mr Yong said that accidents tend to occur when basic safety measures are not implemented.
He urged for contractors and subcontractors, especially in the higher-risk sectors such as construction and marine, to invest in systems to keep their workers and workplaces safe.
Mr Yong said: “NTUC will continue to work closely with its tripartite partners to reinforce safety procedures and raise safety awareness among workers.
“We have kept the number of workplace fatalities low in the past, and I am confident we can do it again.”
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