Singapore’s workplace safety should shift to preventive mindset: MOM

Tracking of minor injuries and near-misses is a must.

While focusing on fatal and major injuries, Singapore’s ministry of manpower (MOM) was urged by the International Advisory Panel to keep an eye on the need for companies to recognise the importance of tracking and analysing minor injuries and near-misses.

According to a press release by the MOM, Singapore should continue to explore avenues across the construction supply chain to shape the safety and health culture of suppliers and sub-contractors to influence better WSH behaviours on the ground.

Manpower minister Lim Swee Say added that Singapore needs a workforce competent in managing WSH, at all levels, and a collective effort from everyone - Government, companies, employers and workers - to build a preventive WSH culture.

Meanwhile, minister of state for manpower Sam Tan also accepted the recommendations of the IAP at the WSH Conference on 25 August 2016.

“He noted that the recommendations will help shape the strategies to improve Singapore’s WSH standards over the next few years, and the Ministry will work closely with the tripartite partners and industry to ensure its successful implementation,” the press release said.