Man arrested after workplace death at Tengah executive condominium construction site

SINGAPORE: A 45-year-old man was arrested after a workplace death on Tuesday (Dec 13) at the construction site of a new executive condominium (EC) in Tengah.

At about 4.35pm on Tuesday, the police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) were alerted to an accident at the construction site of Copen Grand EC at Tengah Garden Avenue.

A 32-year-old Indian national and his co-worker were unloading steel bars from a lorry crane. During the operation, the boom of the lorry crane suddenly fell, striking and pinning the Indian national against the lorry bed, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

He was pronounced dead at the scene by an SCDF paramedic.

The 45-year-old man was arrested for allegedly causing death by a negligent act, the police said, adding that investigations are ongoing.

The occupier and employer, Woh Hup, has been instructed to stop all lifting operations involving lorry cranes.

The developer of the executive condominium is Taurus Properties SG. A spokesperson for the company said: "We are deeply saddened by the incident that took place at the Tengah Gardens site. The deceased worker was an employee from Woh Hup.

"We share our deepest condolences with the family for their loss and are working with Woh Hup to offer our assistance. Workplace safety is a key priority, and we will work closely with the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.

"As investigations are ongoing, we are unable to provide further details at this juncture.”

A spokesperson for Woh Hup told CNA: "We are saddened by the unfortunate incident that happened and are fully cooperating with the relevant authorities on their investigation.

"We are therefore unable to comment at this point as investigation is underway."

The company has contacted the family of the worker and is providing support, the spokesperson added.

There have been 44 workplace fatalities this year, said MOM.

According to its website, Copen Grand EC will have 12 blocks, with 639 units. The expected Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) date is December 2027.