28-6-2024 (SINGAPORE) A construction site accident at the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link station in Woodlands North has claimed the life of a worker and left another injured. The incident, which occurred on Thursday (June 27), involved falling steel reinforcement bars that were being installed for the station’s foundation around 9.30 am.
The two workers, aged 48 and 49, were rushed to the hospital after sustaining injuries from the falling steel bars. Tragically, the younger worker succumbed to his injuries, while the other worker remains in stable condition.
Preliminary investigations by the authorities have revealed no signs of foul play, but the police are still conducting further inquiries into the incident.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA), overseeing the construction project, stated that the steel bars had swayed before falling, leading to the unfortunate accident. In response, the LTA has taken a firm stance, calling for a safety timeout to review and enhance the safety processes at the worksite.
The authority has also expressed its commitment to assisting the family of the deceased worker during this difficult time, collaborating with the main contractor, Japanese firm Penta-Ocean Construction, and the subcontractor involved, Interno Engineering.
This incident marks the third worker fatality at an LTA worksite in the past seven months, highlighting the urgent need for heightened safety measures and vigilance in the construction industry.
Commenting on the incident, Mr. Han Wenqi, a registered workplace safety and health officer, emphasized the importance of implementing the industry-standard “3-3-3 method” when lifting loads. This method involves maintaining a safe distance of at least 3 meters from materials being lifted, lifting the load 30 centimeters off the ground and pausing for three seconds before commencing the actual lifting operation.
“Communication and coordination when handling suspended loads is critical to ensuring a smooth and safe operation,” Mr. Han added, underscoring the significance of effective communication and collaboration among workers and supervisors on construction sites.
In 2020, Penta-Ocean Construction was awarded the $932.8 million LTA contract to build the RTS Link station in Woodlands North, which is located adjacent to the Thomson-East Coast Line’s Woodlands North MRT station. The contract also includes the construction of rail tunnels for the 4-kilometer cross-border link and a Customs, Immigration and Quarantine building in Woodlands North.
Construction on the Singapore side of the rail link began in 2021 and has already crossed the two-thirds mark as of January 2024. The project is slated for completion by December, with passenger service expected to commence by the end of 2026.
