Multi-Agency Workplace Safety and Health Taskforce (MAST) calls for greater vigilance amidst rise in work‑related traffic accidents this year

The Multi‑Agency Workplace Safety and Health Taskforce (MAST) [1] has called on industry stakeholders, employers, workers and road users to strengthen vigilance on the roads and in navigation. This is amidst a rise in road traffic accidents in recent years [2] and work‑related traffic accidents (WRTAs) this year.

2            At the MAST meeting held on 27 July 2026, members (list of MAST members at Annex A) noted an uptick in fatalities from WRTAs – seven fatalities since the start of this year, exceeding the six WRTA fatalities for the whole of 2025. Members also noted the three water transport fatalities this year.

3            MAST agreed that greater vigilance on the roads and in navigation is critical to mitigating the rise in WRTAs and transport-related fatalities. MAST will place greater emphasis on traffic safety and safe navigation measures, particularly for work activities with high road exposure and water transport operations. This will include reinforcing safe work practices, improving risk management and addressing emerging transport-related workplace risks.

Advisory on Strengthening Work-Related Traffic Safety

4            To support the call for greater vigilance, MAST, together with the support of the Workplace Safety and Health Council, Platform Worker Safety Workgroup, the Traffic Police (TP), industry partners and NTUC-affiliate associations, have issued an Advisory on Strengthening Measures for Work‑Related Traffic Safety. The advisory highlights the heightened risks faced by workers who drive or ride for work, and emphasises the shared responsibility of employers, platform operators, workers and road users to exercise greater vigilance and stronger safety practices to prevent further accidents and fatalities. (Please refer to Annex B for the full advisory.)

Traffic Safety is a Whole-of-Government Priority

5            To strengthen whole-of-government efforts to address traffic risks, including those that are work-related, MAST has expanded its membership to include the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and TP. MHA and TP’s expertise in road safety and enforcement will support more coordinated interventions to address work-related traffic risks, strengthen preventive measures, and reinforce safe road use for workers who drive or ride as part of their work.

6            Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State for Manpower, said, “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. 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.”

ANNEX A – MEMBERS OF MAST

[1] The Multi-Agency Workplace Safety and Health Taskforce (MAST) was formed in October 2022 and expanded in September 2023 to strengthen workplace safety and health outcomes in higher-risk sectors through coordinated enforcement, engagement and capability-building efforts across government agencies. MAST is composed of the Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of National Development, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Health, the Labour Movement, and the Workplace Safety and Health Council Industry Committees. The Ministry of Home Affairs joined MAST in July 2026.

[2] According to the Traffic Police’s annual road traffic statistics for 2025, deaths from traffic accidents rose from 139 cases in 2024 to 147 cases in 2025, showing a steady rise since 2022. The number of traffic accidents resulting in injuries also increased, from 7,053 cases in 2024 to 7,560 cases in 2025.

[3] A suitable MTI POH will be identified as MAST member, following the announcement of changes to Cabinet and other appointments.