Workplace safety is everyone’s responsibility
We share Mr Kwan Jin Yao’s concerns about the accidents caused by falls from heights, slips and trips (“More should be done to prevent workplace deaths”; Dec 7).
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the industry-led Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council take a four-pronged approach to ensure safe workplaces: Enforcement, capability building, setting standards and engagement.
The MOM conducts more than 6,000 annual worksite inspections with companies selected in a risk-based approach. Every accident is investigated and the MOM will not hesitate to act against errant companies.
To increase deterrence, the MOM reviewed and enhanced the Demerit Points System and Business Under Surveillance programme in July, and will review our programmes continually to ensure effectiveness.
The WSH Council visits companies involved in fatal accidents to understand their WSH challenges and provide assistance to improve their safety performance.
Lessons learnt from past accidents and good practices are then shared with the industry through forums organised by the Council.
Wide-ranging guidance materials such as industry-specific guidelines, code of practices, activity checklists and videos have been developed with the industry to educate workplaces on good practices and help them manage industry-specific WSH challenges. These resources are available free at www.wshc.sg.
To strengthen industry capability and extend our outreach, the MOM and the Council organise clinics to help workers understand and manage WSH risks in their workplace.
Nevertheless, we agree that more can be done and we will continue to explore new avenues to strengthen our companies’ WSH capabilities.
It is, however, important to reiterate that safety is ultimately everyone’s responsibility. All stakeholders — employers, supervisors and workers — must take proactive ownership of WSH to effectively improve the safety of their workplace and colleagues.
The MOM and the Council will continue to work closely with the industry to raise WSH standards and foster safe work habits.
We urge the community to also take an active role in reporting unsafe work conditions to the MOM at 6317 1111, or download the SNAP@MOM mobile app to photograph unsafe work practices and notify people at workplaces to take action.
