Workplace deaths in first half of 2011 up year-on-year

The number of workplace deaths went up in the first half of 2011, compared to the same period last year.

There were 30 this year, five more than the 25 recorded last year, the Workplace Safety and Health Council and Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said in a joint media statement on Monday.

Falls from height accounted for almost half of the fatalities. Other causes included being struck by a moving object, and fires or explosions.

The number of occupation-related diseases also increased.

The number more than doubled, from 124 in that period last year to 361 this year.

The authorities said that this was due mostly to reports on deafness induced by work, which were found during an island-wide audit by the MOM.