Worker dies after being hit by tipper truck at HDB’s Chencharu worksite; 61-year-old man arrested

SINGAPORE - A 29-year-old Bangladeshi worker died on May 23 after he was struck by a reversing tipper truck at a worksite in Yishun.

The worker had been carrying out survey works at the Housing Board project site at 71 Lorong Chencharu at around 9.30am when the incident occurred, and later died of his injuries.

The police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force said they were alerted to the incident at around 10am and that the worker was pronounced dead at the scene by a paramedic.

A 61-year-old man was arrested for causing death by rash act, police said. Investigations by the police and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) are ongoing.

In response to The Straits Times’ queries, HDB said it is saddened by the fatality and extends its heartfelt condolences to the man’s family.

HDB said it would work with the project’s contractor – a joint venture between Yeng Tong Construction and Koh Kock Leong Enterprise – to render all the support and assistance needed to his family.

The worker was an employee of Koh Kock Leong Construction.

“Safety at our worksites is of utmost priority, and we are working with the contractor to assist the authorities with their investigations on this matter,” said HDB, adding that it will continue to work with its industry partners to strengthen workplace safety at all its worksites.

MOM said that as a general safety measure, drivers must be guided by a banksman – a person trained to direct vehicle movement on or around a site – when reversing or operating in areas with limited visibility or where other workers are present. Clear communication should also be maintained at all times.

It added that companies are encouraged to adopt vehicular safety technologies to enhance operational safety. 

ST has contacted the contractor for more information.