Construction fatalities in Singapore

Abstract

This study investigates proximal causes to 40 fatalities between 2006 and 2008 in Singapore's construction industry. We statistically analyzed the data and found 11 characteristics of deceased workers, types of work, and the environment. Construction fatality causes in the US between 2003 and 2006 were also analyzed and compared with the data in Singapore. We developed 41 strategies to minimize fatalities. We interviewed seven Singapore and US construction safety managers for their opinions on the effectiveness of the strategies. We conclude that in addition to those recommended strategies, changes in organizational safety culture, enhancement of the penalty system, and effective communication are critical to improve safety performance in Singapore's construction industry. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd and IPMA.