Welder, 24, dies after being found unconscious in pipe at Tuas shipyard worksite incident
A 24-year-old welder died after being found unconscious inside a stainless steel pipe at a Tuas shipyard, prompting an investigation by the Ministry of Manpower.
- A 24-year-old welder died after being found unconscious inside a pipe at a Tuas shipyard.
- The Ministry of Manpower is investigating the fatal workplace incident involving confined space work.
- Authorities emphasised strict safety measures for confined spaces, including ventilation and atmospheric testing.
A 24-year-old welder died on 6 April 2026 after being found unconscious inside a stainless steel pipe at a shipyard in Tuas, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said on 9 April.
The fatal incident occurred at a worksite occupied by Seatrium along Tuas South Boulevard. The worker was employed by Hwa Leong Offshore Engineering.
MOM said the man was “found lying unconscious inside a 28-inch (71cm) stainless-steel pipe on board a newly fabricated process module of a vessel”.
He was later extricated from the pipe and pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
In response to media queries, MOM confirmed it is investigating the workplace fatality. No further details on the cause of the incident were disclosed.
An MOM spokesperson said all confined spaces must be clearly identified and labelled as a general safety measure.
“Before any work begins, relevant risk control measures, including atmospheric testing, adequate ventilation and application of permit-to-work must be implemented to address and mitigate any foreseeable hazards associated with the confined spaces.”
Singapore recorded 36 workplace deaths in 2025, with the fatality rate falling to a record low of 0.96 per 100,000 workers.
The leading causes of fatalities were vehicular incidents, falls from height, and the collapse or failure of structures and equipment.
