The concern now is that they do not become danger zones for construction workers.

Three people died late last year at worksites where old buildings were being torn down, said a workplace safety official. He warned that the spike in collective sales will result in more 'potentially hazardous' demolition works.

Mr Heng Chiang Gnee, designated deputy chairman of the upcoming Workplace Safety and Health Council, said: 'There is a clear need to pay more attention to prevent accidents from demolition activities.'

Another area of concern - the recent spate of crane crashes as more worksites spring up with the current building boom. The most recent fatal crane collapse killed three workers at an National University of Singapore worksite on Feb 22.

Mr Heng told 400 employers and safety officers present at Tuesday's briefing that both demolition works and crane operations will be scrutinised closely by safety professionals this year under Probe.

Probe stands for Programme-Based Engagement, a scheme to target high-risk work areas to boost overall workplace safety and health standards.

Through the initiative, officials work with industries on safety procedures through means such as seminars. There are also inspections with fines meted out to companies that breach safety rules.

Mr Heng also touched on last year's report card on workplace safety and health.

Overall, the workplace fatality rate continued to head south.

Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times