WSH Committee Regulations 2008

In exercise of the powers conferred by sections 29 and 65 of the Workplace Safety and Health Act, Mr Gan Kim Yong, Senior Minister of State, charged with the responsibility of the Minister for Manpower, hereby makes the following Regulations:

PART I - PRELIMINARY

Citation and commencement
1. These Regulations may be cited as the WSH (Workplace Safety and Health Committees) Regulations 2008 and shall come into operation on 1st September 2008.
Definitions
2. In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires —
‘‘chairman’’ means the chairman of a workplace safety and health committee
‘‘member’’ means a member of a workplace safety and health committee and includes a chairman
‘‘secretary’’ means the secretary of a workplace safety and health committee appointed under regulation 5(2) or deemed to be appointed under regulation 5(1);
‘‘workplace safety and health committee’’, in relation to a factory, means the workplace safety and health committee appointed under regulation 4(2)(a) in respect of the factory.
Application
3. These Regulations shall apply in relation to every factory in which 50 or more persons are ordinarily at work, excluding persons who carry out any work which is of a temporary nature and is not ordinarily carried out in the factory.

PART II - FORMATION OF WSH COMMITTEE
Appointment of workplace safety and health committee and chairman
4.—(1) For the purposes of section 29(1) of the Act, a workplace safety and health committee shall be appointed in respect of every factory to which these Regulations apply.
(2) It shall be the duty of the occupier of such a factory to appoint, in respect of the factory —
(a) a workplace safety and health committee; and
(b) a person as a chairman of the workplace safety and health committee, being a person whom the occupier reasonably believes is competent to perform the functions and duties of its chairman.
Appointment of secretary
5.—(1) Where there is a person appointed as the workplace safety and health officer of a factory, he shall be deemed to be appointed as the secretary of the workplace safety and health committee of that factory.
(2) Where no person is appointed as the workplace safety and health officer of a factory, it shall be the duty of the occupier of the factory to appoint, from among the members of the workplace safety and health committee of the factory, a person to be its secretary.
Composition of workplace safety and health committee
6. It shall be the duty of the occupier of a factory to ensure that —
(a) the workplace safety and health committee of the factory consists of members who are representatives of persons at work in the factory and of the management of the factory; and
(b) at all times, the number of members who are representatives of the persons at work in the factory is not less than those who are representatives of the management of the factory.

PART III - MEETINGS OF WSH COMMITTEE
Meetings
7.—(1) It shall be the duty of the occupier of a factory to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures to ensure that the workplace safety and health committee of the factory meets at least once a month to discuss matters relating to the safety and health of persons at work in that factory.
(2) No person shall prevent any member from attending any meeting of his workplace safety and health committee that is held during working hours.
(3) No person shall make any deduction from the salary of any member for being absent from work for the purpose of attending any meeting of his workplace safety and health committee.
Minutes of meeting
8.—(1) It shall be the duty of the secretary of the workplace safety and health committee of a factory to furnish a copy of the minutes of every meeting of the workplace safety and health committee of the factory to every member thereof and to the occupier of the factory.
(2) It shall be the duty of the occupier of a factory to —
(a) keep a copy of such minutes in the factory for inspection by any inspector; and
(b) furnish a copy of such minutes to the Commissioner at any time when required by the Commissioner.
Non-member may attend meetings
9. A workplace safety and health committee of a factory may invite any person employed in the factory who has suffered bodily injury as a result of any accident or dangerous occurrence which took place in the factory to attend any meeting of the committee to discuss the accident or dangerous occurrence.
Matters to be discussed at meetings
10. At any meeting of a workplace safety and health committee of a factory, only matters relating to the safety and health of persons at work in the factory shall be discussed.

PART IV - FUNCTIONS OF WSH COMMITTEE
General inspection of factory
11.—(1) It shall be the duty of the occupier of a factory to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures to ensure that the workplace safety and health committee of the factory inspects the factory at least once a month to see if necessary measures are taken to ensure the safety and health of persons at work in the factory.
(2) Following every inspection of the factory under paragraph (1), it shall be the duty of the chairman of the workplace safety and health committee of the factory to ensure that the workplace safety and health committee —
(a) discusses the observations of the members during the inspection at its next meeting; and
(b) records in a report —
(i) its opinion in respect of the lack of any measure, or any deficient measure, taken to ensure the safety and health of persons at work in the factory; and
(ii) its recommendations on the actions to be taken in the factory to ensure the safety and health of persons at work in the factory.
Inspection of factory after accident or dangerous occurrence
12.—(1) Where any accident or dangerous occurrence has taken place in any factory —
(a) it shall be the duty of the occupier of the factory to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures to ensure that the workplace safety and health committee of the factory immediately carries out an inspection of the factory; and
(b) it shall be the duty of the workplace safety and health officer appointed in respect of the factory (if one has been appointed) to immediately conduct an investigation into the accident or dangerous occurrence and furnish the chairman of the workplace safety and health committee of the factory with a report of the findings of his investigation.
(2) After an inspection has been carried out in accordance with paragraph (1)(a) of a factory where an accident or a dangerous occurrence has taken place, it shall be the duty of the chairman of the workplace safety and health committee of the factory to ensure that the workplace safety and health committee of the factory —
(a) holds a meeting to discuss the observations of the members during the inspection and the report of the workplace safety and health officer referred to in paragraph (1)(b), if any; and
(b) records in a report —
(i) its opinion in respect of the lack of any measure, or any deficient measure, taken to ensure the safety and health of persons at work in the factory so far associated with the condition of the factory and the cause of the accident or dangerous occurrence; and
(ii) its recommendations on the actions to be taken in the factory to ensure the safety and health of persons at work in the factory.
Action to be taken on report of workplace safety and health committee
13.—(1) It shall be the duty of the chairman to furnish every report of his workplace safety and health committee referred to in regulation 11(2)(b) or 12(2)(b) to the occupier of the factory.
(2) It shall be the duty of the occupier of the factory, as soon as is reasonably practicable after receiving any report furnished under paragraph (1), to do the following:
(a) discuss the recommendations of the workplace safety and health committee with the workplace safety and health officer (if one has been appointed) or the chairman;
(b) record in the report the occupier’s decision; and
(c) direct any person at work in the factory to take such action as the occupier thinks necessary in the interests of the safety and health of persons at work in the factory.
(3) It shall be the duty of the occupier of the factory to keep a copy of every report furnished under paragraph (1) in the factory.
Workplace safety and health committee to assist in organising certain activities to promote safe conduct of work in factory
14. The workplace safety and health committee of a factory may assist in organising any contest, competition or other activity for the purpose of promoting the safe conduct of work in the factory.
Guidelines to promote safe conduct of work in factory
15.—(1) The workplace safety and health committee of a factory shall, with the approval of the occupier of the factory, issue a set of guidelines to promote the safety and health of persons at work in the factory.
(2) The guidelines may, with the approval of the occupier of the factory, be amended or revoked by the workplace safety and health committee.
(3) It shall be the duty of the occupier of the factory to publish a copy of the guidelines, and all amendments made to the guidelines, in such manner as will secure adequate publicity at the factory for the guidelines.
Basic knowledge of members of workplace safety and health committee
16. It shall be the duty of the occupier of a factory to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures to ensure that the members of the workplace safety and health committee have a basic understanding and knowledge of the functions and duties of a workplace safety and health committee under the Act.
Powers of workplace safety and health committee
17. The workplace safety and health committee of a factory shall, for the purposes of discharging its functions and duties under the Act, have the power to do all or any of the following:
(a) to enter, inspect and examine the factory at any reasonable time;
(b) to inspect and examine any machinery, equipment, plant, installation or article in the factory;
(c) to require the production of factory records, certificates, notices and documents kept or required to be kept under the Act, including any other relevant document, and to inspect
and examine any of them;
(d) to make such examination and inquiry of the factory and of any person at work in that factory as may be necessary to execute its duties;
(e) to assess the levels of noise, illumination, heat or harmful or hazardous substances in the factory and the exposure levels of persons at work therein;
(f) to investigate any accident, dangerous occurrence or occupational disease that occurred within the factory.

PART V - MISCELLANEOUS
Offences
18. Any person who contravenes regulation 4(2), 5(2), 6, 7(1), (2) or (3), 8(1) or (2), 11(1) or (2), 12(1) or (2), 13(1), (2) or (3), 15(3) or 16 shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction —
(a) for a first offence, to a fine not exceeding $10,000; and
(b) for a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.
Revocation
19. The Factories (Safety Committees) Regulations (Cap. 104, Rg 2) are revoked.
Savings and transitional provisions
20.—(1) Every person who, immediately before 1st September 2008, is the chairman or secretary or a member of a safety committee of a factory under the revoked Factories (Safety Committees) Regulations (Cap. 104, Rg 2) shall continue in such capacity as if he were the chairman or secretary or a member, as the case may be, of a workplace safety and health committee appointed under these Regulations in respect of that factory.
(2) These Regulations shall not affect any inspection or investigation commenced or pending before 1st September 2008, and every such inspection or investigation may be continued and everything which is or is to be done pursuant to every such inspection or investigation may be done in all respects after that date as if these Regulations had not been enacted.

WSH Committee Regulations

WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT (CHAPTER 354A)
WSH (WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEES) REGULATIONS 2008

ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS
PART I PRELIMINARY
Regulation
1. Citation and commencement
2. Definitions
3. Application
PART II
FORMATION OF WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE
4. Appointment of workplace safety and health committee and chairman
5. Appointment of secretary
6. Composition of workplace safety and health committee
PART III
MEETINGS OF WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE
7. Meetings
8. Minutes of meeting
9. Non-member may attend meetings
10. Matters to be discussed at meetings
PART IV
FUNCTIONS OF WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE
11. General inspection of factory
12. Inspection of factory after accident or dangerous occurrence
13. Action to be taken on report of workplace safety and health committee
14. Workplace safety and health committee to assist in organising certain activities to promote safe conduct of work in factory
15. Guidelines to promote safe conduct of work in factory
16. Basic knowledge of members of workplace safety and health committee
17. Powers of workplace safety and health committee
PART V MISCELLANEOUS
18. Offences
19. Revocation
20. Savings and transitional provisions

Workplace Safety and Health Act to Cover Six New Sectors from 1 March 2008

With effect from 1 March 2008, six new sectors will be covered under the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act.
The WSH Act is targeted at cultivating good safety habits and practices in all persons at a workplace - from top management to workers. It requires every individual at workplace to take reasonable practical steps to ensure the safety and health of every person at work at the workplace. The extension will contribute to the long-term plans to raise WSH standards across all industries in Singapore.
The six new sectors are as follow:

1. Healthcare Activities
2. Veterinary Activities
3. Hotels, Food and Beverage Sectors
4. Water Supply, Sewerage and Waste Management Activities
5. Landscape Care and Maintenance Service Activities
6. Services allied to Transportation of Goods

MOM update on Tower Crane Collapse at NUS

Preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) into the crane collapse on 22 Feb 2008 revealed that the four anchors located at the base of the crane had failed structurally. This resulted in the entire structure toppling over. Preliminary findings also suggest that the crane was not lifting any load at the time of collapse.

The accident killed three workers and injured two others. While the investigation into the cause of the crane collapse is in progress, Ministry of Manpower (MOM) inspectors have started checks on similar tower cranes.
The inspectors will also conduct spot checks on other types of tower cranes.
Companies found to have contravened safety and health laws are liable to be prosecuted under the Workplace Safety and Health Act which carries a maximum fine of $500,000.
Please see this link for the MOM press release.

The tower crane involved is a saddle-jib type (hammer head) with a mast height of 37m, boom length of 60m, and having a maximum lifting capacity of 12 tons.

The Workplace Safety and Health Advisory Committee (WSHAC) has issued a press release to remind all stakeholders, including employers and employees, to take all necessary measures to safeguard the lives of everyone at work. WSHAC has also introduced measures to improve crane operations.

(Extracted from OSH Alert, 28 Feb 2008)

Crane collapse kills 3 at NUS worksite

THREE construction workers died when the boom from a 72-tonne crane came crashing down at a work-site on the National University of Singapore (NUS) campus.
Two of the workers were pinned under the massive steel structure, while the third was hit on the head, according to the Singapore Civil Defence Force.
The tragedy happened at about 2.15pm and the victims were pronounced dead by paramedics who arrived about 15 minutes later.
Two of the three were Singaporeans: 46-year- old Mohamad Homsen, believed to be the crane operator, and a 41-year-old worker whose name was not released yesterday. Rescuers, using power tools and airbags, took 45 minutes to extricate the two men’s bodies.
The third man who died was found is lying on the ground beside the crane. He was a 44-year-old China national, whose name was also not made public.
Two other workers from China were hurt while trying to escape as the 60m-high crane toppled to the ground. They suffered cuts and bruises and were taken to the National University Hospital. All five workers were employed by sub-contractors on the site.
The firms were redeveloping the area around the three storey NUS Society Kent Ridge Guild House, with work scheduled for completion in April.

(Source: The Straits Times, 23 Feb 2008)

Aerial Lifts (Cherry Pickers) - Safety Tips

Aerial lifts include boom-supported aerial platforms, such as cherry pickers or bucket trucks. The major
causes of fatalities are falls, electrocutions, and collapses or tip overs.


Safe Work Practices

• Ensure that workers who operate aerial lifts are properly trained in the safe use of the equipment.
• Maintain and operate elevating work platforms in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Never override hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical safety devices.
• Never move the equipment with workers in an elevated platform unless this is permitted by the manufacturer.
• Do not allow workers to position themselves between overhead hazards, such as joists and
  beams, and the rails of the basket. Movement of the lift could crush the worker(s).
• Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet, or 3 meters, away from the nearest overhead lines.
• Always treat powerlines, wires and other conductors as energized, even if they are down or appear to be insulated.
• Use a body harness or restraining belt with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket to prevent the worker(s) from being ejected or pulled from the basket.
• Set the brakes, and use wheel chocks when on an incline.
• Use outriggers, if provided.
• Do not exceed the load limits of the equipment. Allow for the combined weight of the worker, tools, and materials.
  
  OSHA 3267-09N-05
  U.S. Department of Labor
  www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA

WSH (Construction) Reg 2008

The WSH (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS 2007 replaces the BOWEC w.e.f. 1 Jan 2008.

The contents of the regulation are as follows:

PART I - PRELIMINARY
1. Citation and commencement
2. Definitions
3. Application

PART II - SAFETY & HEALTH MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENT
4. Safety and health management system
5. Site coordination meeting
6. Workplace safety and health co-ordinator
7. Duties of workplace safety and health co-ordinator
8. Powers of workplace safety and health co-ordinator
9. Safety and health training

PART III - PERMIT-TO-WORK SYSTEM
10. Application of this Part
11. Implementation of permit-to-work
12. No high-risk construction work without permit-to-work
13. Application for permit-to-work
14. Evaluation of permit-to-work
15. Issue of permit-to-work
16. Posting of permit-to-work and supervisor’s duty
17. Monitoring of work
18. Duty to report incompatible work
19. Revocation of permit-to-work

PART IV - GENERAL PROVISIONS
20. Structures and supports
21. Stability of structures
22. Falling hazards
23. Work on roofs
24. Storage and placement of materials and equipment
25. Protection against falling objects
26. Slipping hazards
27. Hazards arising from protruding objects
28. Vehicular hazards
29. Runways and ramps
30. Entry into building under construction
31. Safe means of access and egress between different working levels in building or structures
32. Lighting
33. Personal protective equipment

PART V - ELECTRICAL SAFETY
34. Electrical power circuits
35. Installation of electric wiring and power lines
36. Bare wires and exposed live conductors
37. Residual current circuit breakers and overcurrent protective devices
38. Prohibition on use of fuse
39. Welding sets
40. Industrial plug and socket-outlet
41. Distribution board and socket-outlet assembly
42. Electrical installations and equipment used underground or in confined space

PART VI - LADDERS
43. Construction
44. Resting surface and prevention against slipping
45. Landing place

PART VII - CANTILEVERED & MATERIAL PLATFORMS
46. Cantilevered and material platform
47. Guard-rails and toe-boards
48. Use of wire rope
49. Inspection by designated person

PART VIII - DISPOSAL OF MATERIALS
50. Accumulation of debris
51. Method of removal of debris, etc.
52. Floor openings for debris removal
53. Chutes
54. Construction of chutes
55. Debris collection area
56. Design of chute by professional engineer

PART IX - FORMWORK STRUCTURES
57. General duty on occupier
58. General requirement
59. Supports and shores
60. Appointment of formwork supervisor
61. Duties of formwork supervisor
62. Register
63. Design and construction of formwork structure
64. Duties of professional engineer on formwork structure
65. Concrete work
66. Dismantling
67. Steel reinforcement
68. Reshoring

PART X - DEMOLITION
69. General duty on occupier
70. Preparation of demolition work
71. Protection of adjacent structures
72. Removal of load bearing structures
73. Demolition of walls, partitions, etc.
74. Access to floor
75. Barricades, catch platforms and warning signs
76. Mechanical method of demolition

PART XI - EXCAVATION & TUNNELLING WORKS
77. General requirements on excavation work
78. Duties of professional engineers on excavation
79. Access and egress from excavation
80. General duty on occupier
81. Stability of tunnelling work
82. Ventilation
83. Illumination level
84. Access to and egress from tunnel or shafts
85. Plant and ancillary equipment
86. Means of communications
87. Tampering with fittings
88. Training
89. Rescue team
90. Fire-fighting facilities and procedure

PART XII - COMPRESSED AIR ENVIRONMENT
91. General duty on occupier
92. Safe system of work
93. Warning notices
94. Use of bulkhead
95. Plant and ancillary equipment
96. Supply of air
97. Power source
98. Temperature and humidity
99. Means of communications
100. Appointment of competent person for compressed air works
101. Identification badges
102. Conditions for person working in compressed air environment
103. Condition for multiple entries in compressed air environment
104. Prohibition on consumption of alcohol and smoking
105. Man-locks
106. Compression and decompression procedure and use of man-lock
107. Medical locks
108. Man-lock and medical lock attendants
109. Attendance at man-lock
110. Attendance at medical lock
111. Appointment of medical practitioner
112. Resting facilities and first-aid room
113. Maintenance of records
114. Training of personnel

PART XIII - EXPLOSIVES
115. General duty on employer and principal
116. Handling of explosives
117. Smoking, open lights, etc.
118. Opening packages
119. Deepening holes
120. Size of holes
121. Removing cartridge wrappers
122. Loading near other operations
123. Loading and tamping
124. Work of firing of any blast
125. Warning and retreat
126. Return to blast area
127. Misfires
128. Operations during thunderstorm

PART XIV - PILING
129. Stability of adjacent structures
130. Inspection
131. Pile driver not in use
132. Pile testing
133. Footing

PART XV - CRANES, EMPLOYEE’S LIFTS & MATERIAL HANDLING MACHINERY
134. Strength and stability
135. Capacity chart
136. Thorough examination and inspection
137. Handling of suspended loads
138. Prohibition on riding on loads
139. Cranes or machinery at rest
140. Operators of employee’s lift

PART XVI - MISCELLANEOUS
141. Offence
142. Revocation

For details, refer to the relevant regulation.

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.