Workplace deaths rose in Singapore in the first half of 2026 as MOM reviews tougher safety measures

Singapore recorded 21 workplace deaths in the first six months of 2026, while major injuries fell to their lowest annualised rate on record outside the disruption of 2020. The contrasting figures have prompted the Ministry of Manpower to review whether further safety measures are needed.

Vehicular incidents caused nine of the deaths, including four involving platform workers. The annualised fatal injury rate rose to 1.1 per 100,000 workers, above Singapore's target of keeping it below one by 2028. The ministry said platform workers were not included when that target was set in 2017, and told reporters that Singapore remains on track to meet it.

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The all-time low in major injuries reflects the hard work of employers, workers and safety professionals.

Major workplace injuries fell to 314, bringing the annualised rate down to 14.6. Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash said, "The all-time low in major injuries reflects the hard work of employers, workers and safety professionals." He also called the rise in fatalities a serious concern and said employers and workers must remain vigilant and make workplace safety a daily priority.

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Employers and workers must continue to stay vigilant and make workplace safety and health a priority every day.

MOM is reviewing the workplace safety demerit-points system and whether the bizSAFE capability-building programme accurately reflects companies' actual safety performance, including the connection between training and implementation. The review follows tougher penalties introduced in June after a series of workplace deaths and a two-week nationwide Safety Time-Out. MOM said conditions have since stabilised.

The ministry recorded 620 occupational disease cases, up from 485 in the same period of 2025. It said the increase followed expanded coverage under workplace safety and compensation laws from December 1, 2025, bringing broader detection and stronger surveillance rather than a decline in workplace health standards. Platform workers recorded 44 fatal and major injuries, 38 involving vehicles. Delivery services accounted for 37 cases and ride-hailing for seven.

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The rise therefore reflects broader detection and stronger surveillance, not a deterioration in workplace health standards.