07 Apr 2020
Ref No.: 070420 (2)
UEN: S97SS0046G
Dear Valued ASPRI Members,
Accident Notification: Cleaner found lying at staircase landing
On 28 March 2020, a cleaner was found lying on the staircase landing of a residential building with his cleaning equipment nearby. The injured cleaner was conveyed to the hospital where he passed away the following morning.
The Ministry of Manpower has commenced investigations into the accident.
The industry is reminded to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment for cleaning activities at work premises. Adequate safety and health measures must be put in place to manage any foreseeable risk at the designated work area(s) such as slip, trip and fall hazards, or work in areas where one may easily lose balance (e.g. on steps or on sloping surfaces). Worker health condition must be considered, and the worker must be sufficiently fit for the physical demands of the assigned task. Always communicate the on-site hazards and risk controls to the worker prior to work commencement.
Information on the accident is based on preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Manpower as at 6 April 2020. This may be subject to change as investigations are still on-going. Please also note that the recommendations provided here are not exhaustive and they are meant to enhance workplace safety and health so that a recurrence may be prevented. The information and recommendations provided are not to be construed as implying liability on any party nor should it be taken to encapsulate all the responsibilities and obligations under the law.