Eldercare firm fined S$7,000 after client’s fatal wheelchair fall
Active Global Respite Care has been fined S$7,000 for failing to implement safe procedures after a 76-year-old client died in 2021 when his wheelchair rolled off a van lift. The case highlights safety lapses in eldercare transport services.
- 76-year-old client died in 2021 after wheelchair rolled off a van lift.
- Healthcare assistant failed to secure brakes; driver released his grip too early.
- Both staff members were previously fined S$10,000 each.
- Company fined S$7,000 for failing to have proper procedures and risk assessments.
- Active Global has since added staffing, checks, and retraining to improve safety.
A Singapore eldercare company has been fined S$7,000 following the death of a 76-year-old client, Hassan Mohamed Karchi Arsan Osman.
On 3 June 2025, Active Global Respite Care was convicted under the Workplace Safety and Health Act for failing to implement adequate control measures and safe work procedures.
Fatal incident during transport
The incident took place on 3 February 2021 at about 4.40pm, as Hassan was preparing to return home from a daycare centre.
He was being assisted by healthcare assistant Moe Thadar, 49, and van driver Kwa Kim Seng, 67, both employees of Active Global.
Moe wheeled Hassan onto the platform at the rear of the van but failed to engage the brakes on his wheelchair. After indicating to Kwa that Hassan was ready, she stepped away.
Kwa began operating the lift while holding the wheelchair with one hand and conversing with a colleague. Just before the platform reached the van floor, he let go.
As the healthcare assistant inside the van had not yet secured the wheelchair, it rolled backwards off the lift. Hassan struck his head on the ground and was rushed to hospital, where he died that night.
Company and staff held accountable
Both Kwa and Moe were previously fined S$10,000 each for their roles in the incident.
Active Global faced a single charge under the Workplace Safety and Health Act, with another charge considered during sentencing.
The court found that the company had not implemented safe work procedures or a proper risk assessment for operating wheelchair lifts.
Prosecutor Kimberly Boo from the Ministry of Manpower said the company lacked written protocols, relying instead on verbal instructions and staff observation. This, she noted, led to inconsistencies in how wheelchair users were handled.
Defence highlights clean record
Defence lawyers Gloria James-Civetta and Noelle Teoh argued that the company had a previously clean safety record. They said the incident was “isolated and unprecedented,” noting that Active Global generally complied with safety standards.
“The incident was an isolated and unprecedented occurrence that tragically resulted in the passing of the late Mr Hassan,” they told the court.
They added that protocols existed but were not followed on this occasion.
Remedial steps after tragedy
The company pleaded guilty early, cooperated with authorities, and has since introduced corrective measures. These include deploying more staff at pick-up and drop-off points, weekly checks on safety procedures, and retraining for non-compliant employees.
The court acknowledged these efforts, noting the company had no prior convictions under the Workplace Safety and Health Act and had taken concrete steps to improve operations.
