Contractor and Manager Charged Over Fatal Gas Incident at Waterworks

A contractor, Stargroup, was charged over safety issues at a PUB site in Singapore after two workers died in 2024.

Stargroup was hired by the national water agency for routine tank cleaning at Choa Chu Kang Waterworks.

On May 23, 2024, four workers were cleaning a water treatment tank.

Three workers collapsed after entering a passage under the tank to close valves, and they were taken to the hospital.

Two of the workers died on May 24 and May 28, 2024, and the third worker was discharged after treatment.

The third worker was sent home after getting medical help, the ministry said.

PUB said it is very serious about Stargroup's safety mistakes.

After the incident, PUB stopped working with Stargroup for 18 months, starting from August 2024.

The workers were exposed to a toxic gas called hydrogen sulphide, which comes from draining water treatment tanks.

Hydrogen sulphide is a colorless gas that can be deadly even in small amounts.

At the time of the incident, sensors detected high levels of hydrogen sulphide, and an alarm went off.

Stargroup was charged for not taking steps to minimize risks to workers at the site.

The manager, Lim Beng Hock, was also charged for not being careful when giving permits for confined space entry.

MOM warned a PUB officer for not cooperating with the employer to follow safety rules the night before the incident.

PUB is reviewing the warning and will take necessary actions.

MOM fined PUB for letting workers enter confined spaces without proper ventilation before.

CNA asked MOM and PUB for the amount of the fine.

PUB has installed permanent ventilation in the confined space and requires plants to provide ventilation for all confined spaces.

Employers must do a risk assessment, test the air, and provide protective gear when working in confined spaces, said MOM.

Workers must also follow safety rules and use protective equipment when working in confined spaces.

After the incident, MOM stopped PUB from doing cleaning work on water tanks and entering confined spaces.

The stop-work order was lifted on August 6, 2024, after PUB met the required conditions.

PUB has improved its contractor management by checking that safety measures are in place and working as planned.

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