13 Nov 2019
Ref No.: 131119 (1)
UEN: S97SS0046G
Dear Valued ASPRI Members,
Third Quarter 2019 National WSH Statistics // BSG reminds companies to prevent amputations at bi-annual Workplace Safety and Health Seminar
There were eight fatal injuries between July and September 2019 (3Q 2019). The 12-month rolling fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers dropped from 1.2 in 2Q 2019 to 1.1 in 3Q 2019. While the number of fatal injuries remained the same, there were fewer major injuries and occupational diseases compared to the previous quarter, while the number of minor injuries continued to increase. The Manufacturing Industry had the most fatal and major injuries with 35 incidents while the Construction Industry contributed 34 incidents.
The number of fatal and major injuries from Slips, Trips & Falls (STF) continued to increase in 3Q 2019. This resulted in STFs remaining as the top cause of injuries in 3Q 2019.
To control STF incidents, the Ministry of Manpower completed Operation Plover in July 2019. The special operation targeted close to 500 workplaces across Construction, Manufacturing, Accommodation and Wholesale Trade industries with STF risks. In total, 876 enforcement actions were taken against 439 companies, including four Stop-Work Orders and 144 composition fines amounting to $164,000. The top contraventions uncovered during the operation include:
- Poor housekeeping, which can lead to tripping hazards;
- Wet, slippery or damaged floors; and
- Failure to implement control measures to prevent STF such as anti-slip mats and signages.
The special operation was complemented with capability building and education efforts reaching out to hawkers and F&B outlets, where slippery flooring could lead to STFs.
The Ministry of Manpower and WSH Council urge all stakeholders to stay vigilant and ensure safe and healthy workplaces for all workers.
View the infographic here.
BSG reminds companies to prevent amputations at bi-annual Workplace Safety and Health Seminar
Aimed at sharing good workplace safety and health (WSH) practices at their workplaces, the Bedok Safety Group (BSG), with the support of the WSH Council and Ministry of Manpower, held their bi-annual Workplace Safety and Health Seminar at Yokogawa Electric Pte Ltd on 16 October 2019.
The BSG comprises a voluntary group of safety professionals from various companies working together to promote safety and health at their workplaces with the support and guidance from the Ministry of Manpower and the Workplace Safety and Health Council.
Mr Vincent Lim, Chairman of BSG shared that national numbers for amputations remained high in 2018 with the Manufacturing sector accounting for 35% to 60% of such cases. He urged companies to remain vigilant and continue to have good WSH practices at their workplace.
Over 120 participants, who attended the event, learnt about the importance of near-miss reporting and the 5-step process which can be implemented in the company to prevent hand injuries and other accidents:
- Identify: recognise the near-miss accident
- Report: reporting the accident
- Investigate: identify the problem that caused the near-miss
- Intervene: analyse the problem and work out a solution
- Review: monitor and evaluate WSH performance
Participants also learnt more about the ISO 450001 implementation and how to better manage diabetes and kidney disease at the workplace. In the afternoon, participants had a hands-on experience on incident reporting based on different scenarios.
Download the WSH Council’s Guide to Near Miss Reporting here