Reaper in Parliament (1 November 2021)

"Covid-19 deaths: More details needed in daily reports", The Straits Times Forum, 8 October 2021

Coroner's Inquiries

Why this question?

On 19 October, the media reported that eight coroner’s inquires that were earlier concluded between 2016 and 2018 and handled by State Coroner Marvin Bay have been reopened over allegations that the Investigation Officer (IO), Station Inspector Kenny Cheong Chyuan Lih, who handled the cases had forged statements, including from family members of the deceased.

Question

63. Mr Murali Pillai: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs in relation to the decision of the State Coroner on 18 October 2021 to re-open eight coroner’s inquiries that were earlier concluded as a result of an allegation that the investigation officer who handled the cases had forged statements from relevant witnesses, what systemic steps will the Singapore Police Force take to ensure that there is no over-dependence on a single officer’s representation that material witnesses have been interviewed by the same officer.

The Straits Times, "8 coroner cases reopened after alleged forgery by cop", 19 October 2021

联合早报,《验尸庭对八案件重新研讯》, 19 October 2021

Workplace deaths

Why this question?

 It was reported in the media on 4 and 9 October that since July this year, there have been at least seven workplace deaths, bringing this year’s death toll at workplaces to 30. In comparison there were 30 workplaces deaths in the whole of 2020.

Question

101. Dr Tan Wu Meng: To ask the Minister for Manpower in respect of fatal workplace accidents over the past five years involving alleged negligence by workers, in how many instances were Workplace Safety and Health Act proceedings commenced against (i) a worker (ii) the employer and (iii) both worker and employer, respectively.

The Straits Times, "Vehicular accidents top cause of death in workplace", 9 October 2021

联合早报, 《今年上半年工伤与致命事故显著增加》, 9 October 2021

Why this question?

An explosion occurred at Tuas incineration plant in Tuas Avenue 20 on 23 September 2021 at 3.15pm. The blast occurred while three workers were doing maintenance work inside an electrical switchroom at the plant. A 65-year-old senior engineer was pronounced dead at the scene. Another staff, an executive engineering manager succumbed to his injuries three days later. The third worker was, reportedly, still in SGH’s intensive care unit.

Question

*55. Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye: To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) whether there will be a public inquiry on the fatal accident which occurred at the Tuas Incineration Plant on 23 September 2021; (b) what are the existing measures to protect workers at incineration plants; and (c) whether there is a need to further enhance safety measures at incineration plants.

The Straits Times, "Tuas plant blast sparks yet another call for safety time-out", 26 September 2021



Questions not related to any media report

*14. Mr Leon Perera: To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether NEA conducts inspections of tombstones in cemeteries to detect desecration and, if so, how often; (b) what are other measures to prevent the desecration of tombstones in (i) cemeteries maintained by NEA and (ii) private cemeteries not managed by NEA; and (c) in view of Regulation 9(c) of the Environmental Public Health (Cemeteries) Regulations, whether there are plans for NEA to bear a similar responsibility to prevent vandalism in cemeteries it maintains including liability for the vandalism damage.

*Questions for Written Answer