21 Mar 2019
Ref No.: 210319 (1)
UEN: S97SS0046G
Dear Valued ASPRI Members,
Accident Notification: Worker injured at disposal facility // Worker struck by sheet pile
ACCIDENT NOTIFICATION: WORKER INJURED AT DISPOSAL FACILITY
On 1 March 2019, around 6pm, a worker who had driven a skip bin truck to a disposal facility to unload construction debris from the truck was found to be injured. He was conveyed to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the following day.
The Ministry of Manpower has commenced investigations into the accident.
Workers undertaking unloading works from vehicles are advised to take the necessary precautions. Risk assessment should be conducted specifically for the unloading process starting with the act of opening the door of the skip bin, and consideration should be given to the type and nature of the waste materials in the bin. Due to materials leaning against the skip bin door, there is a danger of the door swinging outwards once the door latch is released. This is typically followed by materials (potentially heavy and with sharp edges) falling onto the ground, which may land on the worker if the worker is in the way. Employers should establish a Safe Work Procedure (SWP) to ensure that the worker is always in a safe position during truck unloading. Safety briefings should also be conducted so that all workers are aware of the on-site dangers and are familiar with the SWP prior to work commencement.
Information on the accident is based on preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Manpower as at
05 March 2019. 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.
ACCIDENT NOTIFICATION: WORKER STRUCK BY SHEET PILE
On 9 March 2019 around 8.30am, a worker was killed when a sheet pile fell and struck his head. The sheet pile was being lifted by a crawler crane when it dislodged from its lifting clamp and fell. The worker was pronounced dead at the scene by attending paramedics.
The Ministry of Manpower has commenced investigations into the accident.
Employers, principals and contractors performing similar site operations are advised to plan and coordinate the various construction activities to execute the work in a safe manner. Hazardous work zones, such as lifting zones, should be properly demarcated to keep workers out except for the identified crew. Safety measures should also be implemented to ensure that the identified crew’s lives are not put at risk. Concurrent work, if deemed inappropriate, should be stopped or rescheduled. Workers must also be informed of all possible hazards that could be encountered when working within the same work area.
Information on the accident is based on preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Manpower as at
12 March 2019. 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.