Increase in Workplace Fatalities and Injuries in the First Half of 2016
In the first half of 2016, the number of workplace fatalities increased by 40%, compared to the same period in 2015. According to the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Statistics Report released by the WSH Institute, there were 42 fatalities in the first half of 2016, compared with 30 the same period last year. 6,149 injury cases were also reported in the first half of the year, compared to 6,009 in 2015. The first half of the year also saw a slight decrease in occupational diseases, from 441 in 2015 to 400 this year.
To view the WSH Report January – June 2016, click here.
For an overview of the WSH Statistics in January – June 2016, click here.
GHS Hazard Communication and Training
Persons at work who are required to handle hazardous chemicals are to be trained to perform their work. Employers should provide these employees with the necessary information and instructions on hazardous chemicals in their work areas at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new chemical (hazard) is introduced, which the employees have not been trained on previously.
Persons at work who are liable to be exposed to hazardous chemicals are to be trained to recognise the hazards involved and the precautionary measures to take.
Hazard communication training should cover the following where appropriate:
• Hazardous chemicals and their associated hazards and risk
• Precautionary measures and safe work procedures to minimise the chemical hazards
• Emergency response procedures when exposed to the hazards
• Understanding chemical labels and safety data sheets
For more information on hazard communication programme, refer to Singapore Standard SS586: 2014 Specification for hazard communication for hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods Part 2: Globally harmonised system of classification and labelling of chemicals – Singapore’s adaptations.
For more information on GHS and its related resources, click here.