A Bangladeshi worker died on 25 January 2025 at a construction site in Raffles Place after the ground beneath him collapsed. The 31-year-old, employed as a rigger and signalman by Nardev Builders, fell into the collapsed soil during lifting works at approximately 2.30 pm, according to a Ministry of Manpower (MOM) spokesperson.
The incident occurred at 24 Raffles Place, the site of the former Clifford Centre, which is being redeveloped by S.L. Properties, a subsidiary of Singapore Land Group (SingLand). The worker was assisting with the installation of a rebar cage under a sub-subcontractor’s charge when the accident happened.
A paramedic pronounced him dead at the scene. MOM is currently investigating the incident and has issued a stop-work order for substructure construction activities at the site.
A SingLand spokesperson expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating: “Together with our main contractor Woh Hup, we will be in touch with the grieving family to offer our deepest condolences and provide support during this difficult time.” Woh Hup, the main contractor, confirmed the worker’s employment under a subcontractor and pledged cooperation with the investigation.
The MOM emphasised the importance of reinforcing ground near excavations to prevent collapses, particularly during wet weather. The ministry reminded contractors to reassess site safety after heavy rainfall.
This incident is part of a concerning pattern in Singapore’s construction sector. In the first half of 2024, 19 workers died in work-related accidents, an increase from 14 during the same period in 2023. Of the 14 construction fatalities recorded in the latter half of 2024, nine sites were found to have inadequate safety systems.
The authorities have introduced several measures since early 2024 to address workplace safety issues in construction. These include stricter safety evaluations for tenders called from April 2024 and an emphasis on safety management systems at worksites.
In a similar incident earlier this month, on 2 January, a 29-year-old construction worker died after being struck in the chest by a concrete pump truck hose at a Tengah worksite.
The Raffles Place site, previously Clifford Centre, is being redeveloped into a larger office and retail complex. The redevelopment, announced in May 2022 by SingLand, involves a 999-year leasehold project.
