12 Jun 2019
Ref No.: 120619 (1)
UEN:S97SS0046G
Dear Valued ASPRI Members,
Manufacturing Sector: Amputations in Metalworking // First Symposium for the medical community and WSH professionals addresses lung health // Industry Workshops
Manufacturing Sector: Amputations in Metalworking
The metalworking sector contributes to the majority of all hand and finger injuries that have resulted in amputations from 2012 to 2016. The top 3 work activities leading to amputation injuries in metalworking sector are: (a) repair and maintenance using mechanised tools, (b) cutting with cutting machines and mechanised tools, and (c) manual handling of metal items.
Read the full article here for more details and recommendations/learning points when doing risk assessments.
This is the second in a series of related articles on machinery safety. Get more information on the safe use of machinery here.
First Symposium for the medical community and WSH professionals addresses lung health
236 participants attended the “MOM-TARIPH Joint Symposium on Lung Health in the Occupational Setting: Prevention, Protection and Promotion” on 10 May 2019, in a first such event for members of the medical community and Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) professionals.
As set out in the WSH 2028 strategy to “Enhance Focus on Workplace Health” the Symposium aims to build the competency of the participants, which comprise Respiratory Physicians, Occupational Physicians, Occupational Health Nurses, WSH Officers, industrial hygienists, IAQ consultants, researchers and company representatives.
Following the keynote address by Mr Ismadi Mohd, Deputy Commissioner for WSH, three scientists and two regulators shared on unrecognised exposures in the workplace that may affect lung health during the 1st session on Occupational Exposures. Exposures such as toxicants, nanomaterials and air microbes, are mostly not visible to the naked eye and participants were reminded to reduce contaminants, improve ventilation and treat supplied air for good Indoor Air Quality.
In the 2nd session on Occupational Diseases (OD), three Respiratory Physicians and two Occupational Physicians highlighted on diseases caused by work e.g. Occupational Asthma, Silicosis, Asbestosis, Occupational Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma, and on ODs not caused by work but may affect workers’ health resulting in the need of medical assessments on their fitness to work and work modifications to continue working. Lastly, doctors were reminded to diagnose Occupational Lung diseases, notify MOM and work with employers to prevent ODs, and to protect workers’ right to compensation.
The Symposium was co-organised by the Ministry of Manpower and Nanyang Technological University’s Academic Respiratory Initiative for Pulmonary Health, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. It is supported by the WSH Institute and College of Public Health and Occupational Physicians, Academy of Medicine, Singapore.
Read the abstracts here.
Workshops
Workplace Safety and Health (Safety) Committee Training
| Date: | 19 – 21 June 2019 |
| Time: | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Venue: | SISO Academy 167 Jalan Bukit Merah #02-13, Connection 1 Tower 5, Singapore 150167 |
Learn how to perform and discharge responsibilities as a safety committee member as required under the WSH Act.
Get more information here
Risk Assessment for a Safe Workplace (Code of Practice on WSH Risk Management)
| Date: | 20 – 21 June 2019 |
| Time: | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Venue: | SISO Academy 167 Jalan Bukit Merah #02-13, Connection 1 Tower 5, Singapore 150167 |
Learn how to conduct effective risk assessments in the workplace.
Get more information here
Vision Zero Seminar 2019: A Holistic Approach in Singapore‘s Workplace Safety and Health System
| Date: | 28 June 2019 (Friday) |
| Time: | 8:30am – 5:30pm |
| Venue: | Novotel Clarke Quay 177A River Valley Road, Singapore 179031 |
Gain insights about the Vision Zero movement and how it can be embraced and implemented in the workplace.
Get more information here