486 Safety Breaches Found From 510 MOM Workplace Inspections Since Mid-Dec

If you’ve gone through the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) courses, you’ll know that Singapore takes safety very seriously.

So seriously, that if companies were found breaching protocols, they could be stopped from working immediately.

And they won’t be allowed to resume until every worker’s safety is guaranteed again.

While COVID-19 have forced manpower shortages upon companies in Singapore, it’s no reason to compromise workplace safety.

This is the message that the authorities want to bring to companies in Singapore.

486 Safety Breaches Found From 510 MOM Workplace Inspections Since Mid-Dec

On 3 Mar 2021, it was revealed that since mid-December 2020, 486 safety breaches were discovered from 510 MOM workplace inspections.

According to Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqu Mohamad, seven stop-work orders were issued.

Two safety time-outs were also called since Nov 2020.

A safety time-out means suspending the company’s work while reviewing all work activities and processes, together with safety protocols.

During this phase, structures, machinery, electrical installations and storage of materials and hazardous chemicals are scrutinised carefully.

Alarmed At The Recent Spate Of Workplace Accidents

Mr Zaqy said that MOM is “alarmed” at the recent series of workplace accidents and are investigating every incident.

“We acknowledge that companies are facing manpower shortages due to border and pandemic controls.

“Nevertheless, companies must not compromise worker safety by rushing or having workers operate machinery or perform tasks that they are not trained for.”

Officials, he said, are “particularly concerned” about the Tuas explosion that left 3 dead.

Inspectors have started inspecting almost 500 companies that may possess combustible dust hazards.

An Inquiry Committee will also be appointed to study the causes and recommend preventive measures.

From this, new policies could be created.

More Businesses For Safer Companies

As for construction safety, Mr Zaqy said a framework emphasising safety performance will be put into place for public sector construction tenders this year.

In other words, companies which practise safety more seriously will have more chance for more businesses from the government.

The Tuas Industrial Fire Incident

On 24 Feb 2021, a fire broke out at 32E Tuas Ave 11 at 11:25 am.

Witnesses said they heard a “loud explosion” when the incident happened.

In total, ten workers suffered burns from the accident.

On 25 Feb, it was reported that 3 workers have passed away from their burn injuries. Two other workers were discharged while 5 remained in the ICU.

Investigations revealed that the accident was caused by a combustible dust explosion.

The dust, in the form of potato starch powder, came from one of the materials used by the company for its products.

The company in question is Stars Engrg, which is in the business of fire protection and produces insulation pipes.

All companies who “undertake similar operations” are encouraged to review their safety procedure.

You can read more about the incident here.

Feature Image: Facebook (Zaqy Mohamad)