Leon Perera on Building and Related Works (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

The Bill facilitates a simplified approval process for less complex and lower-risk buildings and promotes self-regulation of environmental health, said MP Leon Perera. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (Jul 4), he urged the Government to do more in workplace safety and protect Singapore’s “national brand and reputation as a caring society”. Firstly, there should be in-depth review and sharing of information on significant lessons learnt following workplace incidents, he said. Rectification and stop-work orders should ensure that companies make swift initial assessments and rectifications. Safety codes should be made as simple and visual as possible so that workers fully know the safety procedure. Secondly, besides skills-based training, employees need to be given awareness-based training to confidently report safety risks. Thirdly, the Government needs to have appropriate punishments to compel companies to ensure a safe working environment. While there is a framework to disqualify contractors with a certain number of demerit points from public sector construction tenders, the demerit points framework has room to be tightened further, said Mr Perera. He also raised concerns with the heat, saying construction workers are disproportionately affected. He suggested looking into the way construction sites are built, as well as having shaded areas, water facilities and even working with nearby shopping malls and office buildings to provide air-conditioned spaces for workers to rest.