Updated: 09/11/2014 21:38 | By Channel NewsAsia
CGW Construction fined record S$150,000 for fatal worksite accident
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SINGAPORE: CGW Construction has been fined S$150,000 on Thursday (Sep 11) in connection with a fatal accident at a Beach Road worksite. A news release by the Ministry of Manpower says the fine is the highest imposed on an employer for failing to ensure safety of its workers under Section 12 of the Workplace Safety and Health Act.
The accident on Oct 25, 2012 saw an employee of CGW fall from the open side of a staircase landing on the second floor to his death. Zhou Shi Hong died from multiple injuries, after falling from a height of 6.4 metres. A co-worker says he had been bending down to look for nails in a pail, and as he got up, lost his balance and fell backwards.
CGW had been engaged as a subcontractor for Hyundai Construction and Engineering at the worksite.
Investigations by the Ministry of Manpower found that CGW failed to install guard rails, and did not provide lifelines for workers to anchor safety harnesses to. Also, it had started work on the stairwell even though its application for a permit to do so had not been approved by Hyundai.
Three years ago, CGW was fined S$50,000 for failing to adhere to the Workplace Health and Safety Act as well. This was for an incident at Bayfront Avenue in 2008 where a construction worker stepped onto an unsupported plank on a formwork platform and fell four storeys below. He was sent to hospital with injuries to his arm and leg. - CNA/ly
