MOM Looking Into Concerns About Lifting of Steel Bars

MOM Looking Into Concerns About Lifting of Steel Bars
- The Straits Times, 20 December 2007

Please refer to the letter by Mr Tham Khai Wor "Are building works in Selegie Road safe?" (ST, 29 November 2007). The Ministry has obtained details from Mr Tham and will be investigating his concerns regarding the lifting of steel bars along Selegie Road.

2.   All contractors are required to implement safety measures during lifting work to protect both workers and the public. These include a lifting plan, having an experienced and trained group of workers as well as cordoning of both workplace and public areas such as roads. Regular checks on the lifting equipment are also needed to ensure that they are in good working condition.

3.   Anyone who comes across unsafe work practices can contact the Ministry at (65) 6317 1111 for us to look into the matter.

Are Building Works in Selegie Road Safe?
- The Straits Times, 29 November 2007

After reading the report, 'Lucky escape for driver' (ST, Nov 27), I regret not writing in earlier. I drive along Selegie Road regularly and have been watching the handling of steel bars by foreign workers with deep concern. I wonder if they have been briefed properly and are supervised on safety and the strapping of the bars before they are lifted to the upper floors of the building.

They cordoned off one lane of the road so that they can work without interruption from passing traffic. However, one lane's space is surely not enough should the swaying bars being lifted come crashing down. The authorities should look into this potential hazard; one injured passer-by is one too many.