19 Feb 2019
Ref No.: 190219 (1)
UEN: S97SS0046G
Dear Valued ASPRI Members,
Accident Notification: Worker caught in between moving machinery and wall // Worker succumbed while carrying out painting works
ACCIDENT NOTIFICATION: WORKER CAUGHT IN BETWEEN MOVING MACHINERY AND WALL
On 17 January 2019 around 8.40am, a worker was walking to his work area when he was caught between a moving rail-guided ladle car and the wall along its tracks. The worker was pronounced dead at the scene by attending paramedics.
The Ministry of Manpower has commenced investigations into the accident.
Occupiers, principals with contractors and workers performing similar work activities are advised to take the necessary precautions and measures to protect all workers from beingcaught in or between equipment, materials, or other objects when walking within their work premises. Workers must be informed of the possible hazards they may encounter when walking in the designated work area such as blind spots, protruding objects and machine-related hazards. Risk Assessments (RA) should cover both routine (i.e. normal production) and non-routine (e.g. shut-down maintenance) work. Moving equipment and/or vehicles must be highlighted in the RA and a safe means of access created for workers. When there are multiple contractors involved, it is especially important to establish and implement an effective communications plan and coordinate all contractors‘ work activities.
ACCIDENT NOTIFICATION: WORKER DIED WHILE CARRYING OUT PAINTING WORKS
On 22 January 2019 around 5.30pm, two workers were using rope access equipment to paint the exterior of a building. While at work, a passing vehicle on the ground floor snagged the tail-end of one of the ropes, causing the rope to snap. One of the workers fell and landed on the ground, and was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
The Ministry of Manpower has commenced investigations into the accident.
The industry is reminded to conduct a comprehensive Risk Assessment (RA) for all facilities maintenance activities (e.g. cleaning, painting, repair) involving rope access. Rope access equipment should be placed on a preventive maintenance regime and checked to be in good condition prior to deployment. Should any part of the rope intrude into a public area, the space beneath the rope access equipment must be properly cordoned off and surrounding traffic managed/diverted. All work activity should be closely supervised to ensure the safety of workers at all times.
Information on the accident is based on preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Manpower as at 30 January 2019. This may be subject to change as investigations are still on-going. Please 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 providedis not to be construed as implying any liability to any party nor should it be taken to encapsulate all the responsibilities and obligations under the law.