Singapore's Multi-Agency Workplace Safety and Health Taskforce (MAST) has called for heightened vigilance on roads and waterways after work-related traffic fatalities this year exceeded the total recorded in 2025.
At its meeting on July 27, the taskforce reported seven work-related traffic accident (WRTA) fatalities since the start of 2026, surpassing the six deaths recorded throughout 2025. The taskforce also noted three fatalities linked to water transport operations this year, prompting renewed efforts to strengthen transport safety across workplaces.
In response, the taskforce said it will place greater emphasis on traffic safety and safe navigation measures, particularly for occupations involving high road exposure and water transport. The initiative will focus on reinforcing safe work practices, improving risk management, and addressing emerging transport-related workplace risks.
To support these efforts, MAST, together with the Workplace Safety and Health Council, the Platform Worker Safety Workgroup, the Traffic Police, industry partners and NTUC-affiliated associations, has issued an Advisory on Strengthening Measures for Work-Related Traffic Safety.
The advisory highlights the increased risks faced by employees who drive or ride as part of their work and underscores the shared responsibility of employers, platform operators, workers and other road users to adopt stronger safety practices to prevent accidents and fatalities.
As part of a broader whole-of-government approach, MAST has expanded its membership to include the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Traffic Police. The agencies will contribute expertise in road safety and enforcement to strengthen coordinated interventions, improve preventive measures and promote safer road use among workers.
Commenting on the latest figures, Dinesh Vasu Dash, Singapore's Minister of State for Manpower, said the increase in work-related traffic accidents highlights the need for collective action.
"The rise in work-related traffic accidents this year is a reminder that safety on our roads and waters requires constant vigilance. Every worker deserves to return home safely. The Government, employers, workers, industry partners and road users all have a shared responsibility to manage risks and uphold safe practices."
He added, "Through MAST, we will continue to implement and review initiatives to address traffic risks, and we urge all stakeholders to play their part in preventing accidents and protecting lives."
The renewed focus comes as Singapore continues to see a broader increase in road traffic incidents. According to the Traffic Police's 2025 annual statistics, traffic fatalities rose from 139 in 2024 to 147 in 2025, while injury-causing road accidents increased from 7,053 to 7,560 over the same period.
The taskforce - MAST was formed in 2022, to spearhead workplace safety initiatives across government agencies, industry leaders and labour representatives, particularly in higher-risk sectors. The inclusion of the Ministry of Home Affairs marks the latest expansion of the taskforce's efforts to strengthen workplace and transport safety.