New data shows that sectors with the highest number of incidents have recorded improvements
Fatal and major workplace injuries in Singapore declined in the first half of 2025, further improving the country's Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) performance, according to the latest data from the Manpower Ministry.
Its WSH report revealed that the number of fatal workplace injuries dropped to 17 in the first half of the year, with the annualised rate dipping to 0.92 per 100,000 workers.
Meanwhile, the number of major workplace injuries continued its downward trend, with a record-low 286 and an annualised rate of 15.5 per 100,000 people.
Sectors with highest incidents show improvement
Sectors that are the top contributors to fatal and major injuries had a decline in incidents in the first half of the year, according to the report.
In the manufacturing sector, number of fatal and major injuries drop to 55 in H1 2025 from 65 during the same period last year.
The ministry further observed a 29% drop in fatal and major injuries in the metalworking industry compared to the same period last year.
"Tighter machinery safety requirements likely contributed to this decline," MOM said in a media release.
The Construction sector also saw its fatal and major injuries decrease to 76 in the first half of 2025, down from 81 injuries recorded in the same period a year ago.
"The improvement may be attributed to stronger enforcement, a sector-wide safety time-out in November 2024, and stricter safety requirements for public-sector projects introduced in April 2024," MOM said.
$1.5 million in composition fines
The improvement in Singapore's WSH performance comes amid measures implemented by the national government to curb injuries and enhance safety in workplaces.
In the first half of the year, MOM said it carried out more than 3,000 workplace safety inspections in high-risk industries.
"Areas of focus included vehicular safety, preventing slips, trips and falls, machinery safety, and safe working at height," it said.
More than 7,000 breaches were identified, with composition fines surpassing $1.5 million for errant companies. It also issued 28 stop work orders.
"These enforcement actions reiterate the need for companies to strengthen WSH, and thereby prioritise the safety and health of their workers," MOM said.
Singapore's WSH plans
The Singapore government has a goal of making the country's workplaces some of the safest in the world. It introduced in 2019 a 10-year strategy that seeks a sustained reduction in workplace injury rates.
MOM said it will also update its Occupational Disease list to include work-related musculoskeletal disorders beyond those affecting the upper limbs in the ODs reportable under the WSH Act and compensable under the Work Injury Compensation Act.
"The improvements in WSH performance, together with the expanded OD coverage, mark important progress in protecting workers from both work injuries and occupational health risks," MOM said.
"MOM will continue working closely with unions, employers, and industry partners to sustain the momentum and press on towards a culture of WSH excellence."
