04 Jun 2019
Ref No.: 040619 (1)
UEN:S97SS0046G
Dear Valued ASPRI Members,
Worker succumbed after operator lost control of forklift // Worker succumbed during gantry crane operations
Accident Notification: Worker succumbed after operator lost control of forklift
On 26 May 2019 around 5:40pm, a worker was operating a forklift near the edge of a slipway when he lost control of the forklift. He drove the forklift through a barrier over the edge of the slipway. The forklift plunged into the slipway and struck a worker who was in it. The worker was pronounced dead at the scene by attending paramedics. The operator of the forklift suffered injuries.
The Ministry of Manpower has commenced investigations into the accident.
The industry is reminded to conduct a comprehensive Risk Assessment for all works related to the use of forklifts. Forklifts must be operated only by trained, competent and authorised operators. A system should be established to ensure that access to forklifts keys is properly controlled. The traffic management plan should consider putting in place suitable control measures (e.g. bollard, kerb) that can reduce the risks associated with forklift operations near open edges.
Information on the accident is based on preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Manpower as at
28 May 2019. 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 on any party nor should it be taken to encapsulate all the responsibilities and obligations under the law.
Accident Notification: Worker succumbed during gantry crane operations
On 26 May 2019 around 2:30pm, a group of workers was tasked with using a gantry crane to assemble a mast section of a tower crane. While using the gantry crane to re-position the partially assembled mast section of the tower crane, the mast section overturned and struck one of the workers who was standing nearby. The worker was conveyed to the hospital where he subsequently succumbed to his injuries.
The Ministry of Manpower has commenced investigations into the accident.
The industry is reminded to conduct a comprehensive Risk Assessment for all works related to the use of gantry cranes. Ensure that a lifting plan is established and that workers are briefed on the plan prior to each lifting operation. All workers deployed as part of the lifting team must be trained and competent for their specific role (e.g. lifting supervisor, crane operator). Cordon off the lifting zone and any other unsafe zones to ensure that no one enters these zones during the lifting operation. Work with the relevant equipment manufacturer and any other relevant stakeholders to establish the safest and most effective method to carry out the pre-assembly work activity.
Information on the accident is based on preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Manpower as at
28 May 2019. 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 on any party nor should it be taken to encapsulate all the responsibilities and obligations under the law.