Work at heights regulations tightening

The rash of accidents from falls from heights has led to new guidelines and possible legal requirements for workplaces.

Guidelines and handbooks will be rolled out to industries involved with roof works, ladder use, structures, and scaffolds or mobile elevated work platforms. Regulations, meanwhile, are expected to begin its public consultation phase as early as 2Q12.

"Contractors engaged in roof works will be required to implement measures that can allow workers to work safely on roofs and not be subjected to the risks of falls," said the Ministry of Manpower in a release. Measures will include "installing independent lifelines, and providing workers with safety harnesses and proper equipment (such as crawl boards) to work on roofs."

Trades and industries with high ladder usage such as electrical workers will also be required to better inform workers on the safe usage of ladders when performing their duties.

On the legal front, MOM said it "will explore the feasibility" of introducing possible new legal requirements governing work at heights.

"MOM is currently exploring the introduction of a dedicated set of Work at Heights regulations, as we review our existing rules and look to streamline them while addressing areas that could be potentially strengthened. This includes mandating Fall Prevention Plans for all workplaces and extending the Permit-to-work system, which already exists for Scaffold operations," said Mr Hawazi Daipi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Manpower.

“Besides the longer term regulatory enhancements, MOM will continue to crack down on unsafe work at heights practices through stepped up inspections on targeted workplaces. While we raise awareness and give time to industry to improve their safety measures, we must urge workplaces to immediately put a stop to obvious and dangerous working conditions that can harm workers. Enforcement, engagement as well as capability building efforts will have to work hand-in-hand to reduce work at heights risks,” added Mr Suresh Navaratnam, MOM's Director of Policy, Information and Corporate Services from the Occupational Safety and Health Division.

“Falls from Heights is a matter of grave concern as workers can be killed or seriously injured. It can affect workers from all sectors, as we have seen from the 2011 cases. Hence, the Taskforce wants to re-energise and extend our efforts, going far beyond construction sites and shipyards. Industry must be made aware that poor management of work practices puts everything riding on the task – workers’ lives, productivity and reputation – at risk. Stakeholders must immediately take proactive actions and put preventative measures in place to prevent fatal falls at work,” said Chairman of the National Work at Heights Taskforce Mr Wong Weng Sun.