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Singapore Tightens Up Safety in Construction Industry

cranes on siteOfficials in Singapore are making sure workplace safety is a priority in the construction industry.


The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) recently took action against 79 companies following a special enforcement operation conducted this summer. The enforcement operation targeted the construction industry, with a focus on unsafe lifting practices and crane operations.


A total of 80 work sites were inspected by MOM’s Occupational Safety and Health Division, and 194 crane-related contraventions of the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act were uncovered.


Of these contraventions, 98 resulted in composition fines totaling more than $95,000. The other contraventions saw 96 Notices of Non-Compliance issued to companies to warn them against unsafe lifting practices. MOM has also instructed the companies involved to address the findings of the inspections and will monitor these efforts closely.

The top five contraventions uncovered included:

  • Failure to maintain cranes in good working condition

  • Failure to establish and implement a proper lifting plan

  • Using defective lifting gear or lifting gear that had not been examined by an authorized examiner

  • Failure to implement a proper Permit-To-Work system

  • No indication of the Safe Working Load and lifting machine number on the lifting machine

Crane safety remains a top concern.

While none of the contraventions uncovered warranted a Stop-Work Order, the type and number of contraventions remain a concern.

 

MOM’s commissioner for WSH, Er. Ho SiongHin said, “The crane industry’s practices remain a serious concern. Besides the safe deployment of cranes, crane owners and occupiers have the responsibility to ensure that their cranes and lifting operations do not endanger workers or the public. MOM has threatened stern action against errant crane companies and occupiers. All occupiers and crane owners ought to put in place robust maintenance regimes and safety systems to put an end to unsafe lifting operations”.

About the Author

Safety Concepts is an online resource providing up to date insights and covering issues in the field of Workplace Safety.

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