Fewer workplace injuries in first six months of 2013

Construction workers at a construction site in Sengkang West Ave on Aug 20, 2012. There were fewer workplace deaths and injuries in the first six months of this year, compared to the same period in 2012, according to latest figures from the Workplace
Construction workers at a construction site in Sengkang West Ave on Aug 20, 2012. There were fewer workplace deaths and injuries in the first six months of this year, compared to the same period in 2012, according to latest figures from the Workplace Safety and Health Institute. -- ST FILE PHOTO: SEAH KWANG PENG

There were fewer workplace deaths and injuries in the first six months of this year, compared to the same period in 2012, according to latest figures from the Workplace Safety and Health Institute.

In the first half of 2013, there were 25 workplace deaths, down from 26 a year before. Minor workplace injuries fell from 5,160 cases to 5,029. Occupational disease cases nearly halved to 372 cases, down from 634 cases in the first half of 2012.

But there were slightly more major workplace injuries: 257, up from 255. Major injuries include those with permanent consequences, such as amputation, blindness and paralysis, or severe injuries such as fractures and dislocations.

For the first time, the report also included work-related traffic deaths, with nine in the first six months of the year. From next year, work-related traffic injuries will also be included, as companies will have to report such injuries to the authorities.

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