Nearly 100 Singapore workplaces were inspected over a three-month period recently, allowing safety inspectors to check on employers and the safety measures they were enacting when it comes to cranes.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) took action against 61 companies for crane safety lapses following inspections of 90 workplaces between July and September this year.
The inspections were part of “Operation Skylark”, an enforcement operation that involved officers from MOM’s Occupational Safety and Health Division (OSHD). The enforcement operation focused on the safety of crane operations in the construction and manufacturing sectors. The enforcement operation is part of MOM’s ongoing enforcement efforts to correct poor Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) practices at various workplaces.
More Than 60 Companies Fined
In total, OSHD officers’ uncovered 189 contraventions of the WSH Act at the workplaces inspected, and issued 107 Composition Fines to 61 companies. OSHD officers also issued 82 Notices of Non-Compliance and two Stop-Work Orders.
Common contraventions uncovered included the failure to maintain cranes in good working condition (47 contraventions), failure to implement safe lifting plans (42 contraventions) and using either defective lifting gears or lifting gears not examined by an Authorized Examiner (28 contraventions).
Speaking on the importance of ensuring that crane operations are carried out safely, Go Heng Huat, deputy director, Engineering Safety, OSHD, noted “The recent accidents are a stark reminder that poorly managed crane operations can lead to deaths. Companies must implement safe lifting plans and put in place a robust crane maintenance regime to ensure that crane operations are kept safe for our workers.”
Go also reminded companies of their obligations under the WSH Act: “Occupiers and employers must take their obligations to ensure the safety and health of their workers seriously. Companies and individuals alike who are liable for safety lapses can be prosecuted under the Workplace Safety and Health Act.”
Author Kori Shafer-Stack, Editor, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in post-injury response procedures and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com. Contact: kstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
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