Stubborn firms aren’t taking workplace safety measures seriously, says manpower minister

Workers falling from heights are increasing in number.

The increased number of workers falling from heights are a red flag for Singapore’s minister of manpower, and it’s because companies aren’t heading calls for more safety.

In his opening address to the Falls Prevention Campaign Launch 2015, Sam Tan Chin Siong said the number of work-related fatalities and injuries in 2015 are higher than last year.

“There is therefore an urgency to reemphasise this workplace safety message, especially when the holiday season is round the corner when we tend to let our guard down,” he said.

Falling from heights has has been one of the top 3 contributors for workplace fatalities and major injuries since 2011, and it has deteriorated even further this year.

“To date, we have 16 fatalities and 87 major injuries due to falls from heights, compared to 10 fatalities and 88 major injuries for the whole of 2014. This is a worrying and unacceptable trend, especially since work activities involving work at height is very prevalent in the Construction sector,” he added.

Sam Tan Chin Siong said along with conducting clinics, the MOM has also stepped up its enforcement operations.

“We will conduct 500 spot checks on companies in 2 months and stern actions will be taken against those in breach of workplace safety and health regulations. The eight-week Operation Cormorant was launched in mid-October 2015. More than 300 workplaces have been inspected so far,” he said.