BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The construction sector has reported the highest incidence of workplace injuries, with 48 cases in 2024 and 54 cases in 2025, reflecting a 12.5 per cent increase, Chief Executive Officer of the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) Muhsin Ahmad said Monday (Nov 17).
This data suggests that despite safety enforcement and awareness initiatives, the construction industry remains the most susceptible to injuries, Muhsin added.
He added that nearly 60 per cent of those involved in reported workplace incidents are Indonesian and Bangladeshi nationals.
Muhsin said these statistics underscore the significant presence of foreign workers in high-risk sectors, particularly in construction.
Indonesian nationals, in particular, constitute a vital part of Brunei’s construction workforce and play an important role in the development of the nation, Muhsin said in his welcoming remarks at the presentation of certificates ceremony: CSR Occupational First Aid Course for Indonesian Construction Workers.
He noted, “But these statistics represent more that just numbers; they reflect real individuals – people with families, careers and aspirations of returning home safely each day.
“Each loss serves as a powerful reminder of the imperative to prioritise workplace safety and health. Every life lost is a tragedy, and we must collectively commit to fostering a safer environment.”
Since 2013, the construction sector has accounted for 52 work-related fatalities out of a total of 85. This indicates that approximately 61 per cent of all workplace deaths in Brunei have occurred within this industry. The primary causes of the fatalities include falls from a height, being struck by objects, crush injuries and electrocution, he added.
A total of 41 Indonesian construction workers who completed their Occupational First Aid Course under SHENA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme received their certificates organised by SHENA in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to Brunei.
The course aimed to enhance the participants’ understanding of workplace safety and health, and to equip them with essential first aid skills to manage serious injuries and potentially save lives.
Ambassador of Indonesia to Brunei Professor Dr Achmad Ubaedillah, members of SHENA’s senior management team, officials from SHENA and the Embassy of Indonesia in Brunei Darussalam, as well as representatives from participating companies and the training provider were present. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
