MULTI-AGENCY TASKFORCE & INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS MAKE JOINT CALL FOR SAFETY TIME-OUT IN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

The Multi-Agency Workplace Safety and Health Taskforce[1] (MAST) and industry associations strongly encourage companies in the Construction sector to initiate a Safety Time-Out (STO) between 8 November 2024 and 22 November 2024. The STO is a timely reminder on the need to ensure that safety procedures are in place and followed, in view of the upcoming festive season and recent fatal incidents in the sector.

2       Singapore’s WSH performance in the first half of 2024 was encouraging and reflected the collective efforts of all stakeholders in pursuing a culture of WSH excellence. However, the recent performance in the Construction sector is concerning. Between July to October 2024, there were 10 fatal incidents from the Construction sector. This suggests a reduced emphasis on WSH in the sector. Furthermore, with the upcoming festive season, it is imperative that the sector remain vigilant and upkeep safety standards as companies may rush to meet deadlines before workers go on home leave.

3       WSH is a collective responsibility, and sustaining a culture of WSH excellence requires strong ownership to ensure safety standards are upkept. Companies in the Construction sector are strongly encouraged to conduct an STO for senior management to engage with site teams and workers, review safety protocols, and address safety concerns. The STO should focus on the following three areas which MOM has identified as areas of concerns based on recent fatal incidents – (i) Struck by falling objects, (ii) Vehicular safety and (iii) Safe lifting and rigging activities.

4       Public sector agencies will lead by example and call on their contractors to conduct STOs at their worksites. The STOs will serve to refresh awareness on key areas of concerns and reinforce safety protocols and discipline amongst both contractors and sub-contractors.

5       Since October 2024, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has ramped up our inspections in the higher-risk sectors, including in Construction. MOM will press on with our enforcement efforts to deter complacency and ensure compliance with WSH regulations. Enforcement actions will be taken against companies or individuals found in breach of safety regulations. These actions can include fines, Stop-Work orders, and legal penalties.