Ref No.: 231118 (1)
UEN: S97SS0046G
Dear Valued ASPRI Members,
Accident Notification: Worker succumbed after fall in warehouse
On 6 November 2018, around 12pm, a worker was installing metal racks alone in a warehouse when he likely fell off an A-frame ladder during the installation. He made his way home after the fall. Upon reaching home at about 5pm, he felt unwell and was conveyed to the hospital. He succumbed to his injuries on the same day.
The Ministry of Manpower has commenced investigations into the accident.
The industry is reminded to conduct a comprehensive Risk Assessment (RA) for all work activities in a warehouse or storeroom. The right ladder should be selected for the work activity and the ladder should be high enough for the worker to access the work area without having to stand on its top rung. A-frame ladders should be placed on stable and level ground and fully extended with its spreaders locked into place prior to use. Workers should be reminded to maintain three points of contact (e.g. both hands and one foot, or both feet and one hand) with the ladder at all times. Ladders should be positioned to avoid awkward posture or loss of balance which can result in falls. As ladders serve primarily as means of access to work areas, they should only be used for low-risk and short-duration tasks and never as work platforms. For more complex tasks involving work at heights, a proper work platform (e.g. a step platform or a personnel lift) should be used instead. The industry should also consider implementing a buddy system so that emergency response (including first aid) can be promptly activated in the event of an accident.
* Information on the accident is based on preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Manpower as at
12 November 2018. 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 provided is 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.