In the quest to complete as many construction projects as possible, contractors are likely to breach safety rules.

In the latest accident, the crane crashed onto a covered pedestrian walkway and narrowly missed a block of flats. Just last month, three workers died and two were injured when a 60m-tall tower crane toppled at a construction site at the National University of Singapore alumni complex and landed near a bus stop. Fortunately, there were no casualties involving pedestrians or commuters in these two accidents.

One accident like this is one too many. If this trend continues, it will be a matter of time before passers-by are maimed or killed. The latest accident shows the crane could even have crashed onto a block of flats, claiming lives and damaging property.

The Ministry of Manpower should impose heavier penalties on culprits who violate safety regulations. When an accident occurs, the ministry should issue a longer stop-work order against the contractor until he gets it right.

The onus is on crane suppliers and contractors to ensure cranes are safe to operate. To enhance safety, no crane should arrive at a construction site without prior ministry clearance.

Andrew Seow Chwee Guan