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Written Answer by Mrs Josephine Teo Minister for Manpower to PQ on Accidents Involving Commercial Divers

Workplace safety and health

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1693 OF 2019 FOR THE SITTING ON 8 JULY 2019

QUESTION NO. 1271 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

 

MP: Ms Joan Pereira

 

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) in the past five years, how many commercial divers have suffered accidents and death on the job; and (b) what is being done to ensure that commercial diving companies comply with the industry's training guidelines and framework for the safety of their divers.

 

Answer

           

  1. From 2014 to 2018, there were 20 non-fatal and three fatal workplace accidents involving commercial diving.  The numbers are similar in the preceding five-year period.

    Table: Number of workplace accidents involving commercial diving

      2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
     Fatal 1  0 0 0 2
     Non-Fatal  9 3 2 3 3
       
  2. In 2018, MOM stepped up inspections on commercial diving activities at anchorage waters, with the support of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). The inspections focused on ensuring that diving companies have competent divers, proper risk assessment and planning prior to diving operations. Through these inspections, we have taken enforcement actions against 10 companies for safety lapses.

  3. The WSHC is working with the diving community to update the commercial diving training curriculum and the Diving Technical Advisory for Inland / Inshore Commercial Diving Safety and Health. It has also stepped up engagements with diving companies, to drive home the message that it is their responsibility to ensure all their contracted divers are properly trained.