13 workplace deaths recorded this year so far – Minister Griffith

Thirteen workplace fatalities and 64 non-fatal incidents were recorded between January and April 2026, according to Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith.

These figures, Griffith said, are “troubling” and “unacceptable” as he called for urgent strengthening of safety systems across all sectors.

Speaking at the Occupational Safety and Health Symposium 2026 on Tuesday, Griffith said the latest statistics highlight the need for stricter compliance and stronger health and safety processes.

“This increase is unacceptable and underscores the urgent need for stricter compliance and health and safety process,” he said.

He stressed that the situation requires a fundamental shift in approach to workplace safety.

The Minister also pointed to wider trends in workplace safety, noting that the ministry recorded a 12.78 per cent decrease in work-related fatalities and a 50% reduction in non-fatal incidents over a broader period.

He said that between 2020 and 2025, the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning conducted 6,186 occupational health and safety inspections across both high-risk and low-risk sectors.

Griffith emphasised that prevention must go beyond policy and must be supported by innovation and practical solutions.

“Prevention cannot be achieved by policy alone. It must be driven by innovation, informed by evidence and supported by practical solutions that enable workplaces to identify risks, manage hazards effectively, and create environments where workers feel safe, protected and supported,” he said.

He added that workplace risks also include psychosocial factors such as stress, excessive workloads, poor supervision, harassment and job insecurity.

“This means addressing not only unsafe conditions, but also the factors that shape how people experience work, how they experience stress, excessive workloads, poor supervision, harassment and job insecurity. These are real risks, and they demand real action,” Griffith noted.

The Ministry said it has increased enforcement activities across all sectors, strengthening occupational safety and health systems to manage climate-related and emerging workplace risks. It has also expanded inspections, sector-specific training, offshore inspections and outreach activities.

The Occupational Safety and Health Month 2026 theme is “Good psychosocial working environments: a pathway to thriving workers and strong organisations.”