MOM uncovers 852 safety violations, issues 16 Stop Work Orders

Inspections part of nation-wide blitz to address Work at Height safety lapses

A total of 852 Workplace Safety and Health violations were uncovered by the Ministry of Manpower in a series of nearly 1,000 surprise worksite inspections. Fines of up to $200,000 were issued during "Operation Sky Hawk II", which took place over five weeks. The intensified inspections are part of national efforts to cut workplace fatalities arising from falls from height, the top killer in workplaces.

The safety violations took place at almost half of the worksites inspected. Almost 200 of the worksites had work at height-related safety lapses, with the majority identified in the construction (52%) and manufacturing (5%) sectors. Common lapses identified include unsecured openings without barricades, tripping hazards, lack of proper access to and from work areas, and unsafe scaffolds. In the manufacturing sectors, open sides with a lack of barriers at sides of mezzanines floor and staircases, ladders in poor working condition, and tripping hazards.

The ministry also issued a total of 16 stop work orders. Employers of these worksites were are required to rectify their safety lapses before work can resume.

For more details, please read the press release.