Four Workers Convicted For Fraudulent Claims Under Workmen's Compensation Act

(Extracted from MOM website)
13 August 2007

The Ministry of Manpower has stepped up enforcement to deter abuse of the workmen's compensation system. This year, four workers were prosecuted for making fraudulent claims under the Workmen's Compensation Act (WCA). They were convicted and jailed ranging from four to six weeks for attempting to claim work injury compensation though they were not injured in the course of work.

Workmen's compensation claims only for work-related Injuries
Under the Workmen's Compensation Act, workmen are eligible for compensation for work-related injuries. However for those who attempt to cheat by submitting false claims, stern action including prosecution will be taken against them. At the same time, those who have abetted in the offence either by intentional aid, instigation or conspiracy will also face the same punishment as the worker, if convicted. Anyone who is convicted faces a maximum fine of $2000 and/or up to 3 months' jail for each charge.

Case 1
On 24 October 2005, a construction worker submitted a workmen's compensation claim through his employer, an electrical engineering works company. He reportedly injured his left knee on 28 September 2005, when he fell down a staircase while working at a construction site.
Key Investigation Findings
Investigations revealed that the medical evidence was inconsistent with the worker's account of the alleged accident. Evidence from a co-worker also established that the worker had fabricated the alleged accident.
Prosecution action
Based on investigations, MOM prosecuted the worker for twice attempting to deceive the Ministry by making a false claim under the WCA. He pleaded guilty to two charges of giving false information and was sentenced to 4 weeks in jail on 9 January 2007.

Case 2
On 4 April 2005, a marine worker lodged a workmen's compensation claim with MOM for an injury sustained during work on 2 September 2004. He claimed that he injured his right hand and wrist when he fell from a staging while using a hydro jet to wash the sides of a vessel.
Key Investigation Findings
Investigations revealed that the worker was actually injured after falling off a bicycle when outside the worksite and not during the course of work.
Prosecution action
MOM prosecuted the worker on 6 Feb 2007 for two counts under WCA for giving answers to the Commissioner of Labour which he knew to be untrue. He was subsequently found guilty of both charges and was sentenced to 5 weeks jail per charge to run concurrently.

Case 3
On 18 Sept 2006, a construction worker lodged a workmen's compensation claim with MOM through his lawyer, claiming injury sustained on 3 Oct 2005 while working at a house renovation project. According to the accident report, he fell off a ladder when he was standing on the ladder to fix glass panels to the roof. He claimed that he lost his balance as the ladder was wobbly.
Key Investigation Findings
Investigations revealed that the worker had fabricated the alleged accident. Evidence from the employer and a co-worker established that the worker was not even at work on the day of the alleged accident.
Prosecution action
MOM charged the worker on 4 May 2007 for 2 counts under WCA for giving answers to the Commissioner of Labour which he knew to be untrue. He guilty of both charges on 14 May 2007 and was sentenced to 4 weeks in jail based on 2 weeks per charge, to run consecutively.

Case 4
On 12 Oct 2006, a construction worker lodged a workmen's compensation claim with MOM through his lawyer claiming that he was injured on 7 Oct 2006 while alighting from his lorry outside his quarters after work. The worker claimed that he slipped and fell onto the road, injuring the back of his head, upper left shoulder and lower left leg.
Key Investigation Findings
Investigations revealed that the worker's injuries were in fact suffered in the course of a fight with his co-worker and not due to an accidental slip while alighting from the company lorry.
Prosecution action
MOM charged the worker on 26 Apr 2007 for two counts under WCA for giving answers to the Commissioner of Labour which he knew to be untrue. He pleaded guilty on 23 May 2007 and was sentenced to 6 weeks per charge to run concurrently.

Dangerous Occurrence at a Worksite

A dangerous occurrence took place at a construction worksite recently. While lifting a bundle of rebars, a truck-mounted mobile crane toppled towards a building under construction.
The occupier was told to investigate into the dangerous occurrence and to conduct risk assessment for all lifting operations.

Lifting equipment is the second highest contributor of workplace deaths in 2006. In the first half of this year, 7 workers, accounting for 28% of total workplace fatalities, were killed in lifting equipment accidents.
Amongst these fatal cases, about half of the employers had failed to conduct risk assessment (RA).

Even those with some form of RA failed to ensure that the control measures were effective or implemented. Investigations also revealed that many of these cases lacked proper on-site supervision to ensure that proper safe work procedures had been implemented.

(Source: MOM OSH Alert, dated 21 Aug 2007)

MOM provides $8 million top-up to Risk Management Assistance Fund (RMAF)

Set up in April 2006 to help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) build risk management capabilities, the first $5 million of the RMAF has been fully committed to some 800 SMEs.

To allow more SMEs to benefit from the scheme and implement risk management successfully, MOM will provide a $8 million top-up to the fund. The top-up would be $2 million per year for the next 4 years till 2011. The funding cap per company has also been reduced from $7,500 to $3,500.

FIRST SENTENCE UNDER THE NEW WSH ACT

The new Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act saw its first sentence in April 2007. Leelloyds Marine Engineering Pte Ltd was fined S$100,000 and Mr. Low Lye Wah (Supervisor) was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment.

Struck by Falling Objects - Dislodged Suspended Bag Claimed Worker's Life!
5 March 2006, 11.40am - after finishing their shift duty on board a bulk carrier vessel, four workers of Leelloyd and the supervisor, Low Lye Wah (Low) were preparing to pack their work tools and transfer them onto a ferry boat alongside the vessel. Low was responsible for rigging and lowering four bags of loads from the vessel onto the boat 15 meters below.

The first three loads were lowered to a reasonable height of about 1m from the boat deck before the boat was steered near the vessel for the workers on the boat to pull the load onto the boat. However, Low did not wait for the boat to move away from the shipside as he lowered the fourth load. Instead he started to lower the fourth load while a worker was trying to untie the third load. This put the workers on the boat beneath a suspended load and exposed them to the risk of being struck by falling objects. Subsequently, the fourth load weighing about 15 kg came loose from the rope's knot and fell a distance of about 10m, hitting a worker James Balang on the head. James Balang succumbed to his injuries in hospital on the same day.

Findings of Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) Investigation
1. The method of lowering the fourth load from 15 m above the boat deck was unsafe as it was carried out using the other end of the rope while another worker on the boat was trying to untie the third load on the same rope. This exposed the workers on the boat beneath to the risk of being hit by falling object.
2. The supervisor Mr. Low Lye Wah is a trained lifting supervisor and a qualified rigger. He was therefore, fully aware of the safe work procedures and precaution needed and understood the danger that his actions posed to the workers. Instead, his reckless act had endangered the safety of the workers, when it was incumbent upon him as the supervisor to look out for their safety. This reckless act of him has resulted in the death of his worker.
3. The company Leelloyds had previously implemented safe work procedures when working on another similar project. Even though it was familiar with the safe work procedure, it did not take reasonably practical measures to ensure the safety of the workers in this incident.

Summary of the case
While lowering work tools using a rope tied to a bag from a bulk carrier vessel onto a boat, the 15 kg load came loose from the rope's knot and fell a distance of about 10m, hitting a worker James Balang on the head. He succumbed to his injuries in hospital on the same day.

The Sentence
Leelloyds Marine Engineering Pte Ltd was fined S$100,000 and Mr. Low Lye Wah (Supervisor) was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment under the new WSH Act in April 2007.

Advisory Note(Please note that the advisory note is provided for the benefits of enhancing workplace safety and health, in no way the information is to be misconstrued as implying any liability on any party)

1. Investigations into the accident revealed that one of the root causes of the accident was the lack of proper planning and supervision of the tasks being performed. All employers and contractors are advised not to be complacent during any lifting operation. All lifting operations should be properly planned by a competent person before the actual execution.
2. Under the WSH (Risk Management) Regulations, comprehensive risk assessment shall be conducted for all work processes to eliminate or control risk through detailed plans/procedures for work to be carried out. Arising from the risk assessment, appropriate safe work procedures shall be developed and implemented. Risk Assessment guidelines and other relevant references are available at the MOM Website and WSHAC Website.
3. It is essential for risks to be eliminated or reduced “at source”. If a risk cannot be controlled completely by engineering measures, it is necessary to protect the employees by administrative control or personal protection. The control of hazards and reduction of risks for the above accident can be accomplished by following the Hierarchy of Control.
a) Engineering Controls
Engineering controls are physical means to limit the hazard. These include structural changes to the work environment or work processes, erecting a barrier to interrupt the transmission path between the worker and the hazard.
- All tools and other items should be lifted or lowered using the ship’s crane or derrick or other safe and effective means. These loads and items should be placed in sling bags that are designed to carry loads of specific capacity.
- The sling bag can be anchored directly onto the crane’s hook or attach to the hook by proper lifting gear, thereby eliminating the need for a tying knot.
- All statutory lifting equipment and lifting gears must be inspected and certified safe for use by an Authorised Examiner for lifting equipment. Lifting equipment must not be loaded beyond its safe working load under any circumstances except for the purpose of testing and examination by the Authorised Examiner.
b) Administrative Controls
These reduce or eliminate exposure to a hazard by adherence to procedures or instructions. Documentation should emphasize all the steps to be taken and the controls to be used in carrying out the activity safely.
- Workers who are on board the ferry should stay in the cabin until the load is lowered at the deck level. Enforce the ruling that no one is allowed to stand below any suspended load.
- Effective communication through hand signals, voice communication, loud hailers or sign languages must be maintained at all times between the parties concerned during lowering or hoisting of any load.
- Qualified Lifting supervisors who have successfully completed a training course approved by MOM must be appointed by the occupier before the commencement of any lifting operations involving the use of any cranes.
c) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
This should be used only as a last resort, after all other control measures have been considered, or as an additional protective measure.
- Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be provided and used by the workers. Safety helmet approved by an accredited testing body must be worn whenever there are hazards of falling objects.

(Extracted from OSH Alert dated 11&12 June, 2007)

Fire on Storage Tank

A flash fire occurred at the ground level of two storage tanks containing marine slop oil. This resulted in a flashback which ignited one of the tanks and ruptured its tank top.
A worker who was working within the proximity of the tanks suffered serious burns and subsequently succumbed to his injuries.

Advisory Note- tips for safe storage of flammable chemicals(Please note that the advisory note is provided for the benefits of enhancing workplace safety and health, in no way the information is to be misconstrued as implying any liability on any party)

1. All storage tanks designed and constructed for containing flammable liquids shall conform to acceptable Singapore or International Standards.
2. Fixed storage tanks containing flammable liquid should be equipped with pressure-vacuum vents to allow for changes in pressure due to filling or withdrawal of product and to breathing of the tank due to atmospheric changes. This minimises vapour emission to the environment.
3. Floating roof tanks can be used for storage of flammable liquid to minimise product loss and fire and explosion hazards.
4. Storage tanks should be earthed. This helps prevent a static electrical discharge which might start a fire during filling or decanting.
5. No source of ignition (e.g. open flames, hot surfaces and sparks) shall be allowed at the storage area. Electrical installations and appliances in such area shall be of explosion-proof type.
6. Suitable fire fighting equipment or facilities shall be readily available to contain or mitigate any possible fire.
7. A risk assessment (RA) shall be conducted and safe work procedures (SWP) shall be developed for all work activities.
8. Workers shall be informed about the risk and hazards involved, and shall be trained in RA and SWP. They shall also be trained on and drilled in emergency response and spillage control.
9. Appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g. respirators, goggles, gloves and aprons) may be required to ensure the health and safety of workers working in such premises.

(Extracted from OSH Alert dated 25 June 2007)

Validity of CSOC and SSIC Certificates

Based on revised requirements, the validity of course certificates for the Construction Safety Orientation Course (CSOC) and Shipyard Safety Instruction Course (SSIC) issued to workers will depend on their period of employment in Singapore. A worker with less than 6 years work experience will be issued with a 2-year certificate while a worker with 6 years or more relevant work experience will be issued with a 4-year certificate.

With effect from 2 July 2007, employers and employment agencies can check via the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website URL link if their employees have attended the above courses and if they will be issued with certificates valid for 2 or 4 years. This information can then be conveyed to the ATP to facilitate the issuance of the certificates.

Three workers died in flash fire at a heat exchanger

A fatal workplace accident took place this year while a group of workers were de-blinding a pipe of a heat exchanger when flammable liquid suddenly flowed out from the pipe. The workers attempted to dilute the liquid with water but a fire broke out and engulfed the area near the heat exchanger. 3 workers were killed.

Advisory Note for blinding or de-blinding work(Please note that the following advisory note is provided for the benefit of enhancing workplace safety and health and in no way should the information be misconstrued as implying any liability on any party)

De-blinding is the process of removing metal plates inserted in-between pipe segments. The metal plates are usually inserted to prevent flow of substances from one part of the piping system to another part of the system.
1. Conduct risk assessments and establish safe work procedures for blinding and de-blinding of pipes during maintenance of process equipment. Factors such as valve leakages should be considered in the risk assessment. Click HERE to download the Fire Risk Assessment Guide produced by the National Fire Prevention Council of Singapore (NFPC).
2. Establish effective emergency procedures in response to events such as unintended chemical release or fire.
3. Ensure that fire escape routes are readily accessible.
4. Ensure that fire fighting equipment and containment for chemical spillage are readily available.
5. Ensure that sources of ignition such as hot surfaces or hot work are not present in the vicinity where blinding, de-blinding or pipe dismantling work is carried out.

(Extracted from OSH Alert dated 2 July 2007)

WSH (Workplace Safety and Health Officers) Regulations

The WSH (Workplace Safety and Health Officers) Regulations will take effect on 1 August 2007.

The Regulations will replace three subsidiary legislations under the former Factories' Act:
(a) Factories (Qualifications and Training of Safety Officers) Notification;
(b) Factories (Registration and Duties of Safety Officers) Regulations; and
(c) Factories (Safety Officers) Order.

The key change in the new regulations is the removal of the distinction between a full-time and part-time WSH officer. It adopts an outcome-based approach where occupiers decide on the extent of appointment for the WSH officers, whether part-time or full-time.

Workplaces required to appoint a WSH officer are stipulated in the Second Schedule of the Regulations, including:
(a) Shipyards in which any ship, tanker and other vessels are constructed, reconstructed, repaired, refitted, finished or broken up;
(b) Factories used for processing petroleum or petroleum products;
(c) Factories in which building operations or works of engineering construction of a contract sum of $10 million or more are carried out; and
(d) Any other factories in which 100 or more persons are employed, except those which are used for manufacturing garments.

(Extracted from OSH ALert dated 17 July 2007)

Fatal Accidents Involving Roof Works

Many workers have been seriously injured and even lost their lives while carrying out repair and maintenance work on rooftops. The majority of fatal accidents involving such works occurred as a result of workers falling through rooftops made from fragile material such as glass, plastics or acrylic.

Case 1 : Worker Fell While Installing Sun-Louvre
A worker was tasked to install frames for the sun-louvre on a roof extension at the second floor of a factory. He stepped on a plastic skylight which was meant to allow natural sunlight into the building. The skylight gave way under the worker's weight and he fell to the ground. He subsequently died from injuries in the hospital.





Case 2 : Worker Fell While Removing Roof Sheets
A similar fatal accident took place late last year while a worker was dismantling roof sheets on the pitched roof of a vacant 1-storey factory building.
While doing his work, the worker stepped onto a plastic skylight which gave way. The worker fell through the broken skylight onto the ground and died on the spot.


Case 3 : Worker Fell Through Roof Opening
Another fatal accident occurred last year while a worker was installing new glass panel on a steep roof. He fell through a roof opening created by the removal of a glass panel. Subsequently, the worker passed away in the hospital.


Advisory Note(Please note that the following advisory note is provided for the benefit of enhancing workplace safety and health and in no way should the information be misconstrued as implying any liability on any party)
1. Study other alternative work method to eliminate the need to work on roof. For example, replace roofing material from below the roof.
2. DO NOT step directly onto rooftops at anytime. More than one roof ladder or crawl board must be provided to eliminate the possibility of the worker stepping directly onto the roofing material when shifting the ladder or crawl boards. The ladder and crawl board must be securely fixed to prevent any movement.
3. Safety belt or harness with two lanyards should be provided and worn by the workers working at height. The lanyards should be securely anchored to a suitable anchorage point or static line.
4. Warning notices should be placed at conspicuous positions such as walkways and all points of access to the roof to remind persons not to step directly onto the roof sheeting.
5. No persons other than the roofers should be permitted to any area over which the roof sheeting is being laid. Proper means of access to and egress from rooftops shall be made available.
6. Do not allow your workers to work on rooftops if they are physically unwell or under medication.
7. Rooftop works should not be carried out if there is strong wind and at rainy days where the surfaces are slippery.
8. Precautions such as installations of safety nets shall be taken to prevent people from being struck by materials or tools falling from rooftops when roofing works are being carried out.
9. Employers must ensure that the work area is inspected and necessary precautions have been taken before allowing roofing works to be carried out.
10. Fragile roof surfaces such as plastic skylight panels should be clearly demarcated and best barricaded, where practicable, to prevent persons from accidentally stepping on them.
11. Click HERE to read about some important information involving roof work safety published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), UK.
(Extracted from MOM OSH Alert, dated 5 June 2007)

Accidents Involving Improper Rigging

Within a short span of two days, there were two accidents involving lifting operations, that resulted in the death of one worker and injuring another two.

Case 1
A horizontal lifting clamp was used to lift a web frame. During the lifting operation, the web frame slipped out of the lifting clamp and crushed a worker who was standing next to the web frame.

>> The Web frame

Case 2
Steel plate hooks were used in conjunction with a spreader bar to lift metal plates. While lifting, the spreader bar suddenly swung out and struck two workers thereby injuring them.
<< Steel plate hook used to lift a few pieces of metal plates

>> Spreader bar involved in the accident

"Struck by Falling Object" accounted for the second highest number of fatal accidents (26%), after "Falls from Height" (34%) of all fatal industrial accidents from 2002-2005.

All lifting operations must have a lift plan supported by an analysis of the hazards and risks.

Advisory Note(Please note that the following advisory note is provided for the benefit of enhancing workplace safety and health and in no way should the information be misconstrued as implying any liability on any party)
1. Prior to any lifting operation, a lifting plan must be developed by a competent person with the relevant lifting operation personnel. The lifting plan should comprise of hazard identification and risk assessment to eliminate or reduce the risks associated with the hazards.
2. The lifting plan should, though not limited to, address the following :

• The personnel required;
• Their roles, responsibilities and competencies;
• Nature and weight of load;
• Type and location of lifting points;
• Selection of the appropriate lifting gears and equipment;
• Assessment of the need for tagline to control movement of suspended load;
• Means of communication during lifting operations;
• Restrictions to the lift operations such as weather and illumination;
• The provision of safe place of work for all personnel during lifting operations.

3. In the lifting plan, there should be a set of written safe work procedures. If the lifting operation deviates from the plan, the lifting operation should stop immediately.
4. The manufacturer or supplier of lifting equipment and gears has a duty to make available to the users, the necessary information on the safe use and maintenance of the lifting equipment and gears.
5. The employer should ensure that the appropriate personnel are adequately instructed, trained and supervised in the use of lifting equipment and gears.
6. Lifting equipment and gears must be inspected and certified safe for use by an Authorised Examiner. Lifting gears must not be modified and should only be used in such a manner as specified by the manufacturer.
7. As a safety precaution, no personnel shall be positioned beneath a suspended load during lifting operations.

(Extracted from MOM OSH Alert, dated Monday, 21 May 2007)

Approved Codes of Practice

WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH
(APPROVED CODES OF PRACTICE) NOTIFICATION 2007
(Made Under Section 39 of the Workplace Safety and Health Act)

In accordance with section 39 (3) of the Workplace Safety and Health Act 2006, the following 23 Codes of Practice were approved for the purpose of providing practical guidance on safety and health to the industry:

CP 14: 1996 Code of Practice for Scaffolds
CP 20: 1999 Code of Practice for Suspended Scaffolds
CP 23: 2000 Code of Practice for Formwork
CP 27: 1999 Code of Practice for Factory Layout - Safety, Health and Welfare Considerations
CP 37: 2000 Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
CP 62: 1995 Code of Practice for Safe Use of Tower Cranes
CP 63: 1996 Code of Practice for the Lifting of Persons in Work Platforms Suspended from Cranes
CP 74: 1998 Code of Practice for Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Devices
CP 76: 1999 Code of Practice for Selection, Use, Care and Maintenance of Hearing Protectors
CP 79: 1999 Code of Practice for Safety Management System for Construction Worksites
CP 84: 2000 Code of Practice for Entry into and Safe Working in Confined Spaces
CP 88: Part 1: 2001 Code of Practice for Temporary Electrical Installations Part 1: Construction and Building Sites
CP 88: Part 3: 2004 Code of Practice for Temporary Electrical Installations Part 3: Shipbuilding and Ship-Repairing Yards
CP 91: 2001 Code of Practice for Lockout Procedure
SS 98: 2005 Specification for Industrial Safety Helmets
CP 101: 2004 Code of Practice for Safe Use of Powered Counterbalanced Forklifts
SS 473: Part 1: 1999 Specification for Personal Eye-Protectors Part 1: General Requirements
SS 473: Part 2: 1999 Specification for Personal Eye-Protectors Part 2: Selection, Use and Maintenance
SS 510: 2005 Code of Practice for Safety in Welding and Cutting (and Other Operations Involving the Use of Heat)
SS 508: Part 1: 2004 Specification for Graphical Symbols - Safety Colours and Safety Signs Part 1: Design Principles for Safety Signs in Workplaces and Public Areas
SS 508: Part 3 : 2004 Specification for Graphical Symbols - Safety Colours and Safety Signs Part 3: Safety Signs Used in Workplaces and Public Areas
SS 513: Part 1: 2005 Specification for Personal Protective Equipment - Footwear Part 1: Safety Footwear
SS 513: Part 2: 2005 Specification for Personal Protective Equipment - Footwear Part 2: Test Methods for Footwear

Accidents involving Cranes and Lifting Operations

In the past 8 months, there was an increase in industrial accidents involving cranes and lifting operations which sadly, could have been prevented. Here are the summaries of three such recent accidents.

Case 1

While slewing without carrying any load, the mobile crane toppled to its side. The crane outriggers were not extended during the operation.

Case 2

Crawler crane toppled during demobilization. No one was injured in this accident.

Case 3

While being lifted, one end of a 6T pipe dropped and hit a supervisor, who subsequently succumbed to his injuries.

>> Advisory Note(Please note that the following advisory note is provided for the benefit of enhancing workplace safety and health and in no way should the information be misconstrued as implying any liability on any party)

1. Risk assessments should be conducted and safe work procedures implemented for all lifting operations, not just for heavy loads. The weight of the load should not be the only determining criteria for conducting risk assessments. Many accidents involving cranes and lifting operations occur during routine lifting of light loads and even in situations where that are no loads lifted.
2. It is of vital importance to ensure that materials to be lifted are securely rigged. Under the Factories (Operation of Cranes) Regulations, riggers and signalmen engaged in lifting operations involving mobile, crawler or tower cranes must attend and pass the courses prescribed by the Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health.
3. Occupiers shall also appoint a lifting supervisor who has successfully completed a training course approved by the Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health to supervise any lifting operation involving the use of any crane, mobile crane or tower crane.
4. Crawler, mobile and tower cranes shall only be operated by trained and competent operators who are registered with the Commissioner of Workplace Safety and Health. 5. All lifting equipment and lifting gears must be inspected and certified safe to be used by a MOM authorised examiner for lifting equipment. Lifting gears and equipment should NOT be modified to be used in any lifting operations unless such modifications are examined and approved by the authorised examiner.
6. All lifting operations should be properly planned by a competent person before the actual execution and not left solely to the ground crew such as the crane operator or rigger.
7. Do not allow anyone to stand beneath any suspended load or within the danger zone during a lifting operation.
8. Cranes must not be overloaded under any circumstances. The weight of the load must always be made known either from specifications or through calculations. Once the overload indicator is activated, the lifting operation must be stopped immediately.

(Extracted from MOM OSH Alert dated 30 April 2007)

Requirement for RSO

Based on Factories (Safety Officer) Order / Factories (Reg. & Duties of Safety Officer) Reg.
Note: Going to be history soon.

Construction Worker Died of Heat Stroke

A construction worker, collapsed while dismantling the timber formwork at a construction worksite under the hot sun. He came from a temperate country and had started work two days after arrival. He was admitted to hospital and died of complications from heat stroke the following day.

What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is an acute life-threatening condition that can be fatal if not promptly treated. It occurs when the body’s ability to maintain its temperature within the normal range fails under severe heat stress conditions. As a result, the core body temperature may rise to dangerous levels above 41ºC (normal temperature is 37ºC).
Heat stroke can occur in workers doing “hot work”, or work requiring physical exertion under hot and humid conditions. Presenting symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting and weakness. This may progress to mental confusion, drowsiness and unconsciousness.
Unacclimatized workers are at higher risk. Other risk factors include older age, diabetes, obesity, alcohol consumption and certain medications.

Emergency first aid
Workers suspected of succumbing to the heat should receive immediate first aid treatment which includes moving the worker to a shady area, removing the clothing, applying cool water to the skin and fanning to promote evaporative skin cooling. Ice packs may also be placed under the armpits and groins while awaiting the arrival of the ambulance

Advisory Note for prevention of heat related illnesses (Please note that the following advisory note is provided for the benefit of enhancing workplace safety and health and in no way should the information be misconstrued as implying any liability on any party)
1. Schedule heavy physical work or work under the sun to the cooler part of the day (early morning or late afternoon) where possible.
2. Provide workers with cool drinking water at convenient locations and encourage frequent drinking, e.g. one glass every 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Encourage the use of mechanical or work-saving devices to reduce physical work demand.
4. Encourage alternate work and rest periods e.g. 5 minutes rest with 25 minutes of work under moderately hot conditions. Under severe conditions, the duration of rest period should be increased. Provide a cool rest area for the workers to have their breaks away from heat.
5. Ensure that new workers are acclimatized over at least one week by gradually increasing the workload and time spent in the hot environment. The schedule can begin with 50% of the anticipated work load and working time on the first day followed by daily 10% increments building up 100% total exposure on the sixth day.
6. Encourage workers to wear loose-fitting clothing while working in the hot environment.
7. Educate workers on presenting symptoms of heat related illnesses, the preventive measures they can take and the importance of seeking medical help early.
8. Workers who are feeling unwell, such as having fever or diarrhoea should consult a doctor before continuing work under the hot sun.

Extracted from MOM OSH Alert, dated 16 April 2007

3 Collapse after inhalation of chemical

140 sick in China from chemical pollution

About 140 children and teachers were hospitalised in southwest China after a fertilizer plant discharged a "huge amount" of sulfur dioxide, state media reported late Tuesday. The incident took place early Monday in Guizhou province, the Xinhua news agency reported, quoting a local official.
The colorless gas, which can cause respiratory problems, remained in the air due to heavy fog in the area, the report said. Five teachers and some 135 students from two primary schools and a middle school complained they were having trouble breathing and were hospitalised, according to Huang Yonghui, executive deputy head of Xifeng county in Guizhou.
Six children were in "serious but not critical condition," Huang said, adding that some of those affected were still being treated. He declined to say how many people were still in hospital.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, Xinhua said.

Source: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/070418/1/47wdn.html

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is increasingly becoming an occupational concern in today's workplace. With increased awareness, problems related to ergonomic issues can be reduced.

For tips on how to reduce injuries related to ergonomics, click on this UCLA link: http://www.ergonomics.ucla.edu/index.html

Painter killed at work

The fatal accident took place in 2006 while a painter was carrying out spray painting work under a flyover using a boom lift.
An on-coming double-deck bus hit the basket of the boom lift. The painter fell off from the basket and landed onto the pedestrian pavement where he succumbed to his injuries.

Advisory Note(Please note that the following advisory note is provided for the benefit of enhancing workplace safety and health and in no way should the information be misconstrued as implying any liability on any party)

1. Aerial work platforms (AWPs) such as scissor lifts, boom lifts and cherry pickers shall be inspected and certified safe for use by an MOM Authorized Examiner once every 6 months.
2. Safety measures such as putting up warning signboards/lightings, barricades or pylons should be implemented at the vicinity to warn motorists of the painting work to prevent accidental collision between the boom lift and the vehicles traveling on the road. Click HERE to download the Code of Practice for Traffic Control at Work Zone issued by the Land Transport Authority (LTA).
3. Safety belt or harness with two lanyards should be worn by the worker working at height. The lanyards should be securely anchored to a suitable anchorage point or static line; in this case the basket of the boom lift to prevent the worker from being ejected or pulled from the basket.
4. The persons working on AWPs should be protected by physical barricades to prevent falls. Most platforms are also fitted with a safety interlock system to prevent accidental toppling.
5. All AWPs should only be used on a solid level surface and within the load limit. It should not be used in high wind conditions or on uneven ground.
6. Click HERE for safety tips of Aerial Lifts developed by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

(Extracted from MOM OSH Alert, dated 2 April 2007)

Worker Drowned in a Trench

A worker was found submerged inside a half flooded deep trench which was meant for sewage pipe installation in a building under construction. He was brought to the hospital for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries.
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) had stopped all work activities at the accident scene. The occupier was instructed to review their existing work procedures related to the sewage pipe installation. Investigation is in progress.

MOM urges all occupiers to take ownership of safety and prevent workplace accidents. The Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations require all workplaces to conduct risk assessments to identify the source of risks, actions that should be taken and parties responsible for doing so. Safe work procedures must be instituted, communicated and implemented to ensure the safety and health of workers.

Advisory Note(Please note that the following advisory note is provided for the benefit of enhancing workplace safety and health and in no way should the information be misconstrued as implying any liability on any party)
1. No person shall be permitted to enter any excavated area unless until it has been inspected and certified safe for entry by a designated person. All necessary protective measures such as sheet piling, shoring or other safeguards that may be necessary for his protection must be provided.
2. Work in open trench and excavation should stop in the event of a downpour. A designated person should check and monitor the banks and soil condition after the downpour to ascertain that it is safe to enter before allowing workers in.
3. Tools and other materials should not be placed near the edges of the trench in a manner that would endanger persons below. This could also contribute to tripping hazards where workers may trip and fall over.
4. Open sides of excavations should be guarded by adequate barricades and suitable warning signs should be put up at prominent spots.
5. Shores and braces should be of adequate dimensions for stiffness and should be placed so as to be effective for their intended purposes.
6. Safe means of access to and exit from trenches such as ladders, stairways or ramps should be provided.
7. Occupiers should develop an effective emergency plan responding to flash flood situations in trenches. There should also be set in place, a proper set of rescue procedures in trenches during an emergency.

(Extracted from MOM OSH Alert dated 26 March 2007)

Coping with Stress at the Workplace

Extracted from MOM OSH Alert, dated 19 March 2007

Challenges in the workplace can be seen in a positive light, motivating us to complete a task or solve a problem and with its resolution, a general sense of satisfaction helps us look forward to new responsibilities. But when these challenges become overwhelming then stress can become unbearable.
Workplace stress results from the inability of an employee to wield sufficient control over the demands of the job. Source of stress in the workplace can come from one or many events and affect both the employer and other employees.

Stress affects people in different ways: some become anxious or defensive while others become aggressive or excited. Some symptoms of stress are:-

• Fast heartbeats • Tense muscles • Headaches, stomach aches and diarrhea
• Being anxious and bad tempered all the time
• Acting in a defensive or aggressive manner • Feeling tired and having trouble concentrating
• Eating disorders-loss of appetite or overeating • Sleeplessness (insomnia)
• Migraine • Stomach ulcers • Skin rashes

If left untreated the above may even lead to diseases like high blood pressure, heart attack, depression, nervous breakdown or mental illness and worsening of asthma attacks.

Click HERE to find out how you could “Manage Stress Before It Manages You“, a booklet published by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) of Singapore.

Extension Coverage of Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act

Etracted from MOM OSH Alert, dated 19 March 2007

The WSH Act came into effect on 1 March 2006. Currently, its area of coverage includes general factories, construction sites and shipyards.
During the second reading of the WSH Bill in Parliament on 17 January 2006, Minister for Manpower announced that the coverage of the Act would be extended in stages, over the next three to five years, to all workplaces. The WSH Act aims to reduce risks at source by making stakeholders accountable for managing the risks they create and by taking practical steps to ensure the safety and health of workers.

From 1 March 2008, the WSH Act will extend its coverage to the following sectors:
1. Transportation Allied Services (Logistics, Freight Forwarding, Cargo Surveying Services)
2. Landscape Care and Maintenance Services (such as grass cutting)
3. Water Supply, Sewerage and Waste Management (such as refuse disposal)
4. Hotels and Restaurants
5. Health Care activities (such as hospitals)
6. Veterinary activities

Click HERE to subscribe OSH Alert.

Useful links on ESH legal requirements

For link to MOM website presenting the WSH Act and Subsidiary legislation, click here.

For recent updates on Acts and regulations, click here to access the eGazette website. Latest amendments on Acts and regulations will be available for 7 days.

For link to the National Environmental Agency for Acts and regulation on environmental matters, click here.

For access to online Acts, click here.

OSH Management Systems

There are different models of occuptional safety & health (OSH) management system available. When it comes to deciding which one to follow, one important factor is: What is the objective?

If the objective is Legal Compliance, there is a model presented by Ministry of Manpower, which is included in the WSH (General Provisions) Regulations 2006. As to date, this is compulsory for the following:

(a) factories engaged in the processing or manufacturing of petroleum, petroleum products, petrochemicals or petrochemical products;
(b) factories engaged in the manufacture of semiconductor wafers; and
(c) factories engaged in the manufacture of fabricated metal products, machinery or equipment and in which 100 or more persons are employed.

This model of the OSH mnagement system has the following elements:
1. Safety policy, including the allocation and delegation of responsibility for safety.
2. Safe work practices.
3. Safety training.
4. Group meetings.
5. Incident investigation and analysis.
6. In-house safety rules and regulations.
7. Safety promotion.
8. System for the evaluation, selection and control of contractors.
9. Safety inspections.
10. Maintenance regime.
11. Risk assessment.
12. Control of movement and use of hazardous chemicals.
13. Occupational health programmes.
14. Emergency preparedness.

Then, there is another model, based on OHSAS 18000 OSH Management System. This is applicable for companies who would like to implement an OSH Management System voluntarily (and sometimes specifically required by some customers). It is similar in structure to ISO 14000: Environmental Management System.

OHSAS 18001 - Occupational Health & Safety Management System

• Voluntary efforts on OH&S management applying PDCA
• Risk identification & control (Process management)
• Internal Safety Audits

Objectives of OHSMS

• Ensure continuity of activities by periodic audits by third parties
• System improvement based on professional recommendations
• Inspire reputation of the company as a safe company

Elements of OHSMS
General

• OHS Policy

Planning

• Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control
• Legal and Other Requirements
• OHS Objectives and Targets
• Management programme

Implementation & Operation

• Structure and Responsibility
• Training, Awareness and Competence
• Consultation and Communication
• Documentation Document and data Control
• Operation Control
• Emergency Preparedness and Response

Checking & Corrective Action

• Performance Measurement and Monitoring
• Records and Records management
• OHS Management Audit

Management Review

• OHS Management Review
  

Food Mixer Kills a Worker

This tragic accident took place during a food blending process in a food and beverage factory last year.
A worker, tasked to operate a blending machine, was found with his upper body severely mutilated within the mixing tank of a blending machine.

A stop work order was issued by MOM and the occupier was instructed to conduct risk assessments for all processes in the factory including the blending process.

MOM urges all occupiers to take greater ownership to prevent workplace accidents. The Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations requires all workplaces to conduct risk assessments to identify the source of risks, actions that should be taken and parties responsible for doing so. Safe work procedures must be instituted, communicated and implemented to ensure the safety and health of workers involved.

Advisory Note

(Please note that the following advisory note is provided for the benefit of enhancing workplace safety and health and in no way should the information is to be misconstrued as implying any liability on any party)
1. All dangerous parts of machinery & every part of transmission by pulley belts or gears shall be securely fenced, unless it is in such a position or so constructed as to be safe for all operators.
2. Where it is impracticable to securely fence a dangerous part of any machinery, workers must be prevented from coming into contact with the dangerous part while the machine is in operation.
3. Flywheels connected to prime movers & its moving parts must be securely fenced regardless of their positions.
4. Interlocking devices should be installed to stop the operation of the rotating mechanisms of the mixing tanks when the covers of the mixing tanks were opened.
5. Mixing tanks should be installed at a reasonable height above the walking/working platform to prevent workers from falling into the mixing tanks when the covers were opened.
6. Click HERE to download the Guide for Checking Safety Devices and Guarding for Metalworking Machinery published by the Ministry of Manpower.

(From MOM circlar,OSH Alert dated 5 March 2007)

Worker killed in excavation work

A fatal accident occurred in Jan 2006 at a worksite where a two-storey detached dwelling house with basement was under construction.
The accident occurred when a worker was constructing a new drain inside an excavation located in front of the said house. While the worker was leveling the concrete for the new drain, the brick wall, which was left behind from the old drain, collapsed from the side of the excavation and pinned him under it. The worker was killed on the spot.

>> Advisory Note (Please note that the advisory note is provided for the benefits of enhancing workplace safety and health, in no way the information is to be misconstrued as implying any liability on any party)
1) Prior to work commencement, risk assessment should be conducted in relation to the safety and health risks posed to any person who may be affected while carrying out the work. Safety measures should be implemented to provide a safe place of work for workers working in excavations. The safety measures include stepping up safety inspections on excavation which will affect the safety of the workers.
2) No person shall be permitted to enter into any excavation unless sheet piling, shoring or other safeguards had been provided.
3) Where any person is exposed to the hazards of falling or sliding material from any side of an excavation, adequate shoring shall be provided to eliminate the hazard.
4) Proper means of access and egress must be provided at readily accessible locations.
5) The excavation and its vicinity shall be checked by a designated person after every rainstorm or other hazard increasing occurrences.
6) The shoring for every excavation exceeding 4m deep must be constructed according to the design of a professional engineer. For the design, construction and methods of excavation, reference should be made to “CP 18: 1992 – Code of Practice for Earthwork.

Click here to access the information sheet on Safety in Excavations produced by the Health and Safety Executive of UK.

(From MOM circlar,OSH Alert dated 16 November 2006)

Accident Reporting to MOM

What, Who & When to notify and report to MOM























How to notify / make a report?
No longer have to submit hardcopy forms to MOM for the notification of workplace accidents. All reporting to be done through iReport, a one-stop e-service portal that allows you to report workplace accidents, incidents and occupational diseases. You can submit to both the WSHD and WICD at once.

Click HERE for more information on the reporting requirements and how to use iReport.

Ferocious Detonations at the BP Texas City Refinery

A series of explosions took place at the BP Texas City refinery on 23 March 2005 when a distillation tower, overfilled with highly flammable liquid hydrocarbons and over-pressurized, caused a geyser-like release of highly flammable liquid and vapour from the vent stack onto the grounds of the refinery. This catastrophic process accident took 15 lives, injured 170 others, and was the worst industrial accident in United States (U.S.) since 1990.
On the recommendation of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board who investigated the Texas City incident, BP Headquarters commissioned an independent safety review panel in October 2005 to make a thorough, independent and credible assessment of corporate oversight of safety management systems at the company's five U.S. refineries and of the company's corporate safety culture.
Lead by former US Secretary of State James Baker III, the independent panel released its 374-page report on 16 Jan 2007. In its report, the panel recommended a range of safety measures, including a strong safety audit system and an independent monitor to follow BP's progress for five years. The panel made the following 10 recommendations:

1. BP's executive management must provide effective leadership on and establish appropriate goals for process safety. They must articulate a clear message on the importance of safety, and match it with policies and actions.
2. BP should create a system to identify, reduce and manage safety risk.
3. BP should create a system to ensure that staff from top management to refinery workers should possess an appropriate level of process safety knowledge and expertise.
4. BP should involve relevant stakeholders to develop a positive, trusting and open safety culture within each U.S. refinery.
5. BP should define expectations and strengthen accountability for safety performance at all levels.
6. BP should provide more effective and better coordinated process safety support for the U.S. refining line organization.
7. BP should develop and maintain an integrated set of leading and lagging safety performance indicators to improve monitoring of its safety performance.
8. BP should create a system to audit safety performance at all U.S. refineries.
9. BP's Board should engage an independent monitor to report on BP's progress in applying these recommendations for at least five calendar years. BP should report publicly on its progress and safety performance.
10. BP should use the lessons learned from the Texas City explosion and the panel's report to transform the company into an industry leader in safety management.

Click HERE to read more about details about the incident in the Baker’s Panel Report.

(From MOM circlar,OSH Alert dated 12 February 2007)

Worker sandwiched between two trailers

(Extracted from MOM OSH Alert, dated 8 February 2007)

A fatal accident took place at a pre-fabrication yard where a worker was hit by a trailer that was in the process of being coupled to a prime mover. During the coupling process, the trailer moved backwards and hit the worker who was working at the rear of another stationary trailer about 1 metre away. This resulted in the worker being sandwiched between the two trailers.


Ministry of Manpower (MOM) urges all occupiers to take greater ownership to prevent workplace accidents. The Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations requires all workplaces to conduct risk assessments to identify the source of risks, actions that should be taken and parties responsible for doing so. Safe work procedures must be instituted, communicated and implemented to ensure the safety and health of workers involved.

Advisory Note – tips for prime mover coupling process
(Please note that the following advisory note is provided for the benefit of enhancing workplace safety and health and in no way should the information is to be misconstrued as implying any liability on any party)

Always check that the vehicular access path is free from any pedestrian.

Before any coupling operations, position a banks man to guide the vehicle and to prevent anyone from coming close to the trailer;

Ensure that the trailer braking system is properly maintained and effective;

Ensure that the prime mover reversing speed is slow and consistent;

Always choke the prime mover and the trailer rear wheels using proper wheel chokes to prevent accidental movement of the vehicle;

Always issue a warning signal to the surrounding workers before reversing the prime mover.

Forklift Accident

From: Ministry of Manpower, Singapore - OSH Alert dated 15 Jan 2007

Worker fatally crushed
Another worker was killed by a forklift in a workplace accident last year.
While attempting to apply the hand brake of his forklift, the operator stepped onto the forklift’s accelerator. The forklift surged forward, hit a worker who was near it and sandwiched his head against a pillar.
MOM had stopped all works involving the use of forklifts in the premises. Investigation of the accident is ongoing.

& More Forklift Accidents

From: Ministry of Manpower, Singapore - OSH Alert dated 8 Jan 2007

Case 1: Toppled Forklift Takes a Life
A forklift that overturned took the life of the forklift operator in a recent construction site accident. The forklift was travelling down a circular vehicle ramp when it suddenly overturned causing the forklift operator to fall out of the driver compartment and his head to be pinned under the forklift.
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) had stopped all works involving the use of forklifts in the premises. The accident investigation is still in progress.


Case 2: Forklift runs over supervisor
A walk outside a warehouse proved fatal for a delivery supervisor in another forklift-related accident recently. The victim was knocked down and run over by a forklift truck traveling perpendicular to him.
MOM investigation into the accident is still in progress.