24 May 2019
Ref No.: 240519 (1)
UEN:S97SS0046G
Dear Valued ASPRI Members,
Beware of fake WSH Training Certifications!
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is investigating a number of cases involving workers found with fake WSH training course cards. These cards indicated that the workers completed and passed courses conducted on dates when, in reality, the course providers had already ceased operation or were no longer providing such training.
In one case, a worker was found with a Boom Lift Operator card issued under Anzenet Pte Ltd (“Anzenet”) for a course conducted on 9 April 2017 even though Anzenet had already stopped conducting Boom Lift Operator courses since 21 March 2016. In another case, Scissor Lift Operator cards issued under Flexi Industrial Safety Training Pte Ltd (“Flexi”) for courses conducted after 19 November 2017 were found, even though Flexi had stopped conducting Scissor Lift Operator courses since 13 October 2016. Employers should check if any workers are holding Boom Lift Operator cards issued in Anzenet’s name on or after 21 March 2016, and Scissor Lift Operator cards issued in Flexi’s name on or after 13 October 2016, as there is a possibility that the cards have been forged. Employers should immediately stop workers in possession of these cards from operating the respective machines, and report the matter to MOM for the authenticity of the cards to be verified.
The forging of WSH training certificates and cards is not only illegal but is unethical as untrained workers at work not only endanger their own safety and health, but pose a danger to others as well. MOM and the Workplace Safety And Health Council (WSHC) strongly advise all employers to carry out the following simple measures to ensure that workers are adequately trained by recognised training providers. These measures can also lead to the early detection of any fraud.
Recommendations
Employers to ensure workers are trained by MOM-recognised training providers and to verify the outcomes of workers’ training.
Ensure that workers are trained by Approved Training Organizations (ATOs) or Learning Service Providers (LSPs) that are approved by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) or Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) respectively. Use the QR Code below to access MOM’s website to view the lists of ATOs and LSPs.
Use MOM’s “Check Worker Training Records” e-service to verify the outcomes of workers’ WSH training. If no record is returned, seek verification from the appointed training providers.
Penalties
Any person who forges or counterfeits any certificate required by, under, or for the purposes of, the Workplace Safety And Health Act (Cap 354A) (the “WSHA”), can be found guilty of an offence under the WSHA and sentenced to imprisonment for up to 6 months or pay a fine up to $5,000 or to both.
Any person who knowingly makes use of any certificate required by, under, or for the purposes of, the WSHA that is forged, counterfeit, or false, can be found guilty of an offence under the WSHA and sentenced to imprisonment for up to 6 months or pay a fine up to $5,000 or to both.
Such persons may also be referred to the Police and investigated for cheating related offences under the Penal Code (Cap 224).
*Please note that the information 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.