State Coroner’s ruling calls for enhanced safety measures to prevent similar accidents.
Singapore – The tragic death of Mr. Yap Ee Guan, an assistant construction manager, on July 13, 2022, was officially ruled a work-related misadventure by State Coroner Adam Nakhoda. The incident occurred after Mr. Yap was struck by a fragment of plywood that was flung 26 meters during a pile-driving analysis test at a construction site in Pasir Ris Industrial Drive 1.
Mr. Yap, employed by Takenaka Corp, had been stationed at the site, where piling works were being carried out by BBR Piling. On July 6, 2022, he was present at the site to witness the test, which involved using a hammer to fall onto a pile, with plywood placed to cushion the impact. During the test, the plywood shattered, sending a large fragment measuring 73cm by 57cm flying toward the rest area, where Mr. Yap was located. The fragment struck his face and head, causing severe injuries.
Despite being conscious and rushed to Changi General Hospital, Mr. Yap’s condition worsened after surgery. He suffered from brain bleeding, fractures to his eye socket, and ruptures to both eyes. After being taken off life support, he passed away a week later.
The coroner’s report highlighted several safety failings, including the lack of adherence to proper procedures, such as demarcating the hammer drop area and barricading the test zone. However, the coroner acknowledged that even with these measures, the explosive force with which the fragment was expelled may have been unavoidable.
The coroner emphasized the need for further safety measures, recommending shatter-proof materials for cushioning and stronger barriers to contain flying fragments. He also suggested using a pile drive cap to minimize the risk of similar incidents in the future.
The tragic incident has prompted renewed focus on construction site safety, with calls for more rigorous precautions to prevent accidents involving flying debris during critical tests.
