SINGAPORE – A traffic controller has passed away due to a work-related accident involving a road roller at 175 Carpmael Road in Joo Chiat on Monday (Mar 3). According to reports from the police and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), the 66-year-old man was crossing a newly paved road when he was struck by the reversing road roller. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) responded to queries by stating, “He was pronounced dead at the scene by an SCDF paramedic.”
The operator of the road roller, a 39-year-old man, has been arrested for causing death by a negligent act, as confirmed by the police. The deceased traffic controller was identified as being employed by Silver Star Safety, with SP Powergrid Limited as the project developer and Mo Guan Construction Engineering as the occupier managing the works.
MOM emphasized the importance of safety measures, stating, “As a general safety measure, machine operators must be competent and vigilant at all times.” Additionally, they highlighted the necessity for workers in road traffic management roles to wear high-visibility attire, be positioned at safe locations, and maintain awareness of their surroundings. MOM further underscored the need for coordination between traffic controllers and machine operators to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident. Unfortunately, this fatality adds to the growing number of workplace casualties in Singapore, with 19 reported fatalities in the first half of 2024, compared to 14 over the same period the previous year.
