A company director has been sentenced to jail and his firm fined S$500,000 following a 2021 explosion at a Tuas facility that resulted in the deaths of three workers. The incident stemmed from the operation of a Chinese-made heated mixing machine. Investigations revealed the director had relied on self-determined assumptions rather than seeking guidance from the manufacturer regarding the machine’s operation. This led to unsafe practices and ultimately, the fatal explosion. The court found the director culpable for the negligence that contributed to the tragedy. The substantial fine levied against the company reflects the severity of the safety lapses and the loss of life. The case underscores the critical importance of adhering to manufacturer guidelines when operating industrial equipment.
