Singapore tightens workplace safety enforcement after seven deaths in a month, fines and shutdowns raised

SINGAPORE, June 26 — Companies breaching workplace safety rules will face higher fines, longer shutdowns and tighter restrictions on hiring migrant workers as Singapore steps up enforcement following a recent cluster of workplace fatalities.

According to CNA, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said composition fines for safety offences during inspections will be increased from S$2,000 (RM6,315) to S$3,000 for first-time offenders, with tougher penalties for repeat or serious breaches.

Firms issued stop-work orders will now face a minimum shutdown period of eight weeks, up from five weeks previously. In severe cases involving fatal or serious accidents, companies may also be barred from hiring new migrant workers for three months.

The move comes after seven workers died in five separate workplace incidents over the past four weeks, bringing this year’s total fatalities to 21.

MOM said the incidents occurred across different sectors and did not point to a single cause, but warned that the close succession of deaths was a serious concern requiring stricter compliance.

As part of the response, authorities have also called for a voluntary two-week nationwide safety time-out from June 26, urging employers to pause operations to review risks, strengthen safety controls and improve emergency response procedures.

Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash said workplace safety requires constant vigilance and accountability, stressing that no deadline or business target is worth risking lives.