Directors of Workplace Safety and Health Training Providers jailed for fraudulent practices

Two Directors of Workplace Safety and Health Training Providers were jailed for fraudulent practices under the Workplace Safety and Health Act in 2017. Mr. Sellachamy Somasundaran, Director of Maha Safety Training Centre Pte Ltd and Mr. Md Abu Zahin Mostafizur Rahman, Director of Pioneer Skill Training Centre Pte Ltd had both pleaded guilty to fraudulently issuing the “Building Construction Supervisor Safety (“BCSS”) course certificates/safety passes without conducting any lessons and assessments. In the first case, Mr. Sellachamny Somasundaran was charged with forging 20 BCSS course certificates/safety passes between September 2015 and December 2015 and had pleaded guilty to the charges. He was sentenced on 7 August 2017 to a jail sentence of 10 months. In the second case, Mr. Md Abu Zahin Mostafizur Rahman was charged with forging 14 BCSS course certificates/safety passes between October 2015 and December 2015 and had pleaded guilty to the charges. He was sentenced on 15 Sep 2017 to a jail sentence of 10 months.  The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) had since cancelled all the fraudulent BCSS records uploaded by the two Training Providers. The BCSS is a course for workers appointed to take on the construction supervisory role. The 34 hour course equips the workers with construction related knowledge on safety and health issues and how, as supervisors, they can help to implement the safety and health measures at the workplaces. MOM takes a very serious view of any breach to the Workplace Safety and Health Act as workplace safety and health issues directly affects worker’s lives, safety and health. Regular audits on the training providers are conducted to ensure full compliance and competency of the training providers. Anyone who is aware of any malpractice by any training provider can notify MOM immediately at www.mom.gov.sg/contact-us.

Source: WSH Bulletin by WSH Council, Singapore 

Common hazards in construction sites

1. Open sides of buildings

The most common hazard in the construction site is that open sides of buildings or structures are not sufficiently barricaded, if at all. This could potentially lead to fatalities. Even if it does not result in fatality, it will result in serious injury.

 

Worker at top level - no edge barricade; the worker was not even wearing safety harness.

 

Open sides during formwork erection

 

2. Unsafe work platform

 

It is very common to see workers using single metal deck as their work platform, especially during the erection of formwork. A single metal deck may not be strong enough to take the weight of the worker and may cave in. It is also possible that the worker may lose balance and fall down.

 

 

Makeshift work platform

 

3. Floor openings not properly covered

 

Another common hazard in construction sites is that the floor openings are not properly covered. Sometimes, a piece of plywood is placed over the opening, but it is not secured. It thus becomes easily dislocated and the floor opening becomes exposed. At other times, flimsy piece of plywood is used, which can give way under the weight of a person.

 

It is also common that openings for pipes are not covered - the thinking is that it is too small for someone to fall through. However, it must be remembered that the second biggest killer in worksites is being hit by falling object.

 

 

Can you see the floor opening? Just waiting for someone to step on it...

 

Opening on the floor for pipes, but anything could drop through them.

 

 4. Protruding objects on the floor

 

It is very common to find nails and rebars protruding from the floor. These pose tripping hazards and can have serious consequences.

One worker tripped and fell on the protruding rebar, missed the spine by a mere few centimetres. (See the blood in the drain)

 

   



Rescue for Work at Height

Demonstration of rescue operation for fall from height.

WSH (Work at Heights) Regulations 2013 & WSH (Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 2013

The Workplace Safety and Health (Work at Heights) Regulations 2013 (WAH Regulations) have been gazetted and published on 15 April 2013. It will come into operation on 1 May 2013.

About the new Regulations

The key provisions in the new Regulations are:
(a) Fall Prevention Plan (FPP) – A specific provision mandates the establishment and implementation of a FPP in accordance with any Approved Code of Practice issued by the WSH Council. This provision will only be effective on 1 May 2014 to allow industry time to build up their capability;
(b) Permit-to-work System (PTW) – A specific part pertaining to the control of work at height where a person could fall from a height of more than 3 metres. This will also be effective on 1 May 2014 to allow industry time to have people trained and qualified to implement the PTW system;
(c) Training of workers, supervisors and other WAH personnel – Training requirements for work at height personnel are emphasised to ensure effective conduct and oversight of work performed at heights;
(d) Work on Roof and Fragile surface – Specific provisions on safe working on roof as well as working near fragile surface are included to require persons working there to be more vigilant; and
(e) Industrial Rope Access System – Due to its high-risk nature, a specific part has been included to address this area of concern.

The scope of coverage of the proposed Regulations will be in two phases, as follow:
1 May 2013
- Comes into force and applicable only to factories.
1 May 2014
- Coverage will be expanded to all workplaces
- Establishment and implementation of a FPP for workplaces specified in the Schedule
- Implementation of a PTW system for work at height where a person could fall from a height of more than 3 metres.

The WSH (Construction) Regulations have also been amended to delete those replica provisions in the new WSH (Work at Heights) Regulations via the WSH (Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 2013.

Leveraging on available assistance and resources
To help industry get ready for the Regulations, the WSH Council has rolled out various capability building initiatives during the recent Programme-based Enagagement (ProBE) Forum on 4 April 2013. These include:

• Revised Approved Code of Practice on Working Safely at Heights (LINK) - Includes new chapter on the PTW for WAH, sample templates on FPP and decision flow chart for PTW.
• Roll out of the enhanced Construction Safety Orientation Course in 1 May 2013 (LINK) - Includes new practical assessment on areas such as WAH.
• Enhancements to WAH training
  - Workers will be trained in basic WAH knowledge (such as the correct use of a personal fall arrest system) while supervisors will be trained on how to check that all fall preventive measures are in place before work commences.
  - Two new levels (WAH course for Assessor and Managers) will also be offered.
• A new WAH Train-the-trainer course has been developed to keep trainers up-to-mark on WAH fundamentals and ensure quality of training.

New initiatives to address Falls from Heights fatalities

The Ministry of Manpower and the Workplace Safety and Health Council’s National Work at Heights (WAH) Taskforce have rolled out new initiatives to address falls from heights (FFH) fatalities. Efforts will be focused on four key areas of WAH - roof works, ladder use, structures, and scaffolds or mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs). Industries performing such work will be actively engaged and educated on the safety of such work under the Programme-based Engagement (ProBE) Plus initiative this year.

2 Falls from Heights (FFH) remain the highest contributor of workplace fatalities, claiming the lives of 17 workers last year. Nine of these workers (or more than half of cases) died after falling from roofs and ladders. The new initiatives are part of a three-pronged WAH Masterplan to tackle WAH issues through raising awareness, capability building and intervention efforts.

New initiatives targeting Roof works and Ladder Safety

3 One of these initiatives is the introduction of a new Guide on Working Safely on Roofs – a concise handbook highlighting safe practices and salient points related to roof works, such as fragile roof hazards. Contractors engaged in roof works will be required to implement measures that can allow workers to work safely on roofs and not be subjected to the risks of falls. Measures recommended in the guide include installing independent lifelines, and providing workers with safety harnesses and proper equipment (such as crawl boards) to work on roofs. The guide will be disseminated through the Safety Compliance Assistance Visits to reach out to worksites where roofworks are ongoing, to help contractors enhance their safety management. MOM and the WSH Council will also engage both roof and general contractors involved in roof works in targeted workshops over the next few months.

4 With the extensive use of ladders across many workplaces, it is critical to educate workers to use them properly. A new Ladder Safety engagement effort has been launched to foster the safe and correct use of ladders. MOM and the WSH Council will be partnering with trade associations and leading hardware stores to distribute a newly developed Ladder Safety Pack, targeting trades and industries with high ladder usage such as electrical workers. The Pack is made up of a ladder safety handbook and stickers to be distributed to relevant workers. The ladder safety handbook advises workers when they can use ladders for specific jobs and when they should consider other equipment, such as scissor lifts. The stickers serve as prominent displays with key tips on ladder safety, such as the dangers of falling while standing on the top rung of the ladder and the need to ensure that the ladder is positioned on stable ground before use. In addition, other outreach activities will be rolled out in the second half of 2012.

Strengthening WAH capabilities across all levels

5 More will also be done to strengthen WAH capabilities for both management and workers. In this aspect, MOM and WSH Council will develop WAH Courses for all levels, including workers, supervisors, assessors and managers. The courses will ensure that managers and supervisors know how to plan and supervise WAH activities. Workers must also be adequately trained to manage WAH risks and are competent enough to perform their tasks, such as roofs works, in a safe manner. These courses will be piloted in the second half of 2012 and are expected to be rolled out early next year.

Exploring legal requirements to regulate WAH practices

6 To bring about further improvements in the industry, MOM will explore the feasibility of enhancing the current WAH regulatory framework by introducing possible new legal requirements.

7 Elaborating on this, Mr Hawazi Daipi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Manpower, said, “MOM is currently exploring the introduction of a dedicated set of Work at Heights regulations, as we review our existing rules and look to streamline them while addressing areas that could be potentially strengthened. This includes mandating Fall Prevention Plans for all workplaces and extending the Permit-to-work system, which already exists for Scaffold operations. MOM will be working closely with the WSH Council to engage industry stakeholders in the formulation of the Regulations for efficient and effective solutions, keeping in view industry practises and work environments. We plan to kick off public consultation on the Regulations in the second quarter of 2012.”

8 “Besides the longer term regulatory enhancements, MOM will continue to crack down on unsafe work at heights practices through stepped up inspections on targeted workplaces. While we raise awareness and give time to industry to improve their safety measures, we must urge workplaces to immediately put a stop to obvious and dangerous working conditions that can harm workers. Enforcement, engagement as well as capability building efforts will have to work hand-in-hand to reduce work at heights risks,” added Mr Suresh Navaratnam, MOM's Director of Policy, Information and Corporate Services from the Occupational Safety and Health Division.

9 Chairman of the National Work at Heights Taskforce Mr Wong Weng Sun said, “Falls from Heights is a matter of grave concern as workers can be killed or seriously injured. It can affect workers from all sectors, as we have seen from the 2011 cases. Hence, the Taskforce wants to re-energise and extend our efforts, going far beyond construction sites and shipyards. Industry must be made aware that poor management of work practices puts everything riding on the task – workers’ lives, productivity and reputation – at risk. Stakeholders must immediately take proactive actions and put preventative measures in place to prevent fatal falls at work.”

10 Relevant stakeholders who wish to find out more on the ProBE programme and the latest WAH initiatives can visit the WSH Council website at www.wshc.sg

Source

WSH Guidelines Working safely on roofs

Working on roofs is a high-risk activity. From 2007 to 2011, fatal falls during work on roofs had claimed 20 lives. Fall from roofs have also caused serious workplace injuries, often resulting in permanent disabilities (e.g., paralysis). Hence this guide is developed to help contractors who are involved in roof works or required to perform work on roofs, better manage and prevent fall from heights while working on roofs.

This guide is relevant for new roof construction and work on roofs of existing buildings (e.g., inspection, repair, maintenance, cleaning work and demolition). It contains salient points on how to plan and work safely on roofs operations such as:
• key considerations in planning for work on roofs;
• fall hazards in various stages of work on roofs;
• control measures against falls;
• administrative controls; and
• personal protective equipment (PPE).

After reading this guide, the user should be able to:
• Identify the risks involved with working on roofs;
• Choose the right access equipment for use on the job;
• Understand and determine the appropriate measures for risk control; and
• Develop a plan to prevent falls during roof works.

Please view the guidelines from WSH Council here.

Fight at work site lands five in hospital

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By Shaffiq Alkhatib
The New Paper Saturday, Apr 07, 2012

A work-related dispute involving foreign workers turned into a fight yesterday. Five men were arrested for rioting and five others were rushed to hospital with injuries. The fight broke out near a construction site at Senja Road in Bukit Panjang.

An estate agent who wanted to be known only as Mr Tan said he was in the neighbourhood when he heard a commotion. He said: "I saw that a fight had broken out. There were about 20 people in the vicinity, both onlookers and others who looked like construction workers. "Some of the men had pipes in their hands and they looked like they were about to hit others with them.

"The police arrived minutes later, so I decided to walk away."

The New Paper understands that the fight involved workers from Bangladesh and China. The situation could have been worse if not for the speedy response by the police, who received a call about the incident at about 8.30am. Officers arrived some 30 minutes later.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) also received a call at around the same time. Two ambulances rushed to the scene and SCDF said five men were sent to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.

Not taking any chances
Even though the fight had ended, the police weren't taking any chances. More than two hours later, police officers were still at the scene. TNP was there at 10.30am and spotted a patrol car. Police officers were also seen questioning workers.

Just after 11am, a police van entered the construction site and a group of construction workers were led into it. The van left the premises about 10 minutes later.

WORKPLACE SAFETY & HEALTH CIRCULAR ON SAFE OPERATION OF PILING MACHINES

From MOM, Dated 14 Mar 2012
1.In Feb 2010, while operating a piling rig to drive a reinforced concrete pile into the ground, the rig’s upper structure (including the leader assembly) suddenly slewed 180deg. In the process, the pile was pulled out of the ground. The rig operator was subsequently found fatally pinned between the backstay support of the piling rig and the pile.
2. Investigation revealed that in the midst of the pile being driven into the ground, the rig operator left the operator’s cabin without engaging the rig’s swing brake. The piling rig started to slew on its own due to the slight inclination of the ground. Coupled with the momentum of the hammer strikes and/or the resultant vibrations, the driven pile began to tilt and eventually broke into three segments. It was most likely that when the rig operator realized that the pile was tilting and the rig was slewing, he tried to run back into the operator’s cabin to stop the piling operation. However, before he could make it into the cabin, he was caught between the pile and the backstay support of the rig.
3. The swing brake, when engaged, would have prevented the rig from slewing during piling operations. Piling contractors, whether as employers or as principals to sub-contractors undertaking the piling works, have a duty to ensure the safety of the workers performing the work. All piling contractors are advised to alert all piling rig operators, for example, through tool box meetings, assessment of the permit-to-work, and training, that they are not to leave their piling rig during operations.
4. Should you need further information, please contact the Ministry at MOM_OSHD@mom.gov.sg

Unsafe condition - gas torch

Unsafe set up - absence of 'no return' valve

Unsafe acts

Unsafe act working at height, using ladder (or is it platform?)

Risk Management

Since 2006, Risk Management has become mandatory for any work being carried out in manufacturing facilities, construction sites and shipyards. Since September 2011, all workplaces come under the purview of the Workplace Safety and Health Act. The implication is that all are required to conduct risk assessment for activities carried out by them, be it within their own premises or at other premises.

The requirement for risk assessment is stipulated in WSH (Risk Management) Regulations 2006. The Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSH Council) has also published a Code of Practice to provide guidance on implementing risk management, including the identification of hazards, evaluating risk, and putting in place control measures.

It is recommended that 5x5 Risk Assessment Matrix be adopted to provide more accurate assessment of risks.

Risk Assessment Form (Sample)

A Risk Assessment Form template, which is created based on the CP from WSH Council, may be downloaded here.

For assistance in developing RA, you may visit www.kavservices.sg

Fire fighting Training

This video shows 2 points:

1. Importance of basic fire fighting training. The trainee had problem to remove the clip.
2. It shows that fire can be re-ignited even though it seems to have been put off.

For training in fire fighting, visit www.kavservices.sg

New Regulations to Improve Crane Safety

Enhancements to the WSH (Operation of Cranes) Regulations outlining the implementation of the Lifting Plan and appointment of a "Responsible Person" will take effect on 1 September 2011.

A new Code of Practice for Safe Lifting Operations to guide on the implementation of Lifting Plans and different checklists as references before any lifting operation is carried out. A Safe Lifting Operation info-kit and new training courses for lifting supervisors, riggers and signalmen to help improve their capabilities in performing lifting operations safely.

(Extract from e-mail from WSH Council, dated 20 July 2011)

WSH (Noise) Regulations

WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH (NOISE)REGULATIONS 2011 These Regulations shall come into operation on 1st September 2011. PART I - PRELIMINARY Regulation 1. Citation and commencement 2. Definitions 3. Application PART II - NOISE CONTROL 4. Measures to reduce or control noise 5. Appointment of competent person to advise on noise control 6. Duty of manufacturers and suppliers of noisy machinery or equipment PART III - NOISE MONITORING, HEARING PROTECTORS AND TRAINING 7. Noise monitoring 8. Hearing protectors 9. Training programme PART IV - MISCELLANEOUS 10. Revocation The Schedule Click for more details

WSH Guidelines

The Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council has recently issued four sets of Guidelines:

Fatigue Management

Fatigue occurs when a person feels physically or mentally tired. It affects an employee’s concentration at work and can be hazardous. The Guideline on fatigue management helps organisations to identify factors contributing to fatigue, and advises on ways to prevent and control workplace fatigue. A combination of risk control measures and good practices can be effective in fatigue management.

Workplace Traffic Safety Management

Poorly managed workplace traffic can be risky. This Guideline identifies traffic hazards within the workplace and provides information on implementing a Workplace Traffic Management Plan. The Management Plan should be endorsed by top management, and should include information such as workplace traffic planning and safe operation of transport vehicles.

Safe Loading on Vehicles

Dangerous loading can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. This Guideline provides general safety guidance for transport operators, drivers, loading staff and key stakeholders. The Guideline also helps to raise awareness and inculcate basic safety principles for working safely while loading.

Managing Heat Stress at the Workplace

The hot and humid weather can put workers at an increased risk of heat stress and heat stroke, and may lead to serious health consequences. The Guideline highlights the factors which contribute to heat stress and recommends practicable measures for both employers and employees to reduce the risks of developing heat-related illnesses. . The Guideline also includes a checklist to help evaluate the risk of heat stress.

To view these guidelines in full, please visit the Council website HERE.

Workshop to Enhance the Safety of Crane Operation (WESCO)

With effect from 1 Apr 2011, all registered Crane Operators will be required to undergo a half-day Workshop to Enhance the Safety of Crane Operations (WESCO) before they can renew their 2-year crane operator licenses.

The objective of this Workshop is to raise the safety competencies of personnel involved in the operation of cranes. Topics covered include safety practices for crane operations, updates on safety laws and regulations, safe lifting practices and lessons learnt from recent crane-related accidents.

All Crane Operators will be required to show proof of attendance at this Workshop before they can renew their crane operator licenses after 1 Apr 2011. This requirement will only apply at the point of expiry of Crane Operator registration.

The Workshop is now available at the two authorised training providers starting from October 2010. To attend the Workshop, crane operators are required to produce their crane operator license at registration.

Name of Training Provider and Training Location

BCA Academy of the Built Environment
200 Braddell Road

NTUC Learning Hub
Block 18, Boon Lay Way,
#04-120, TradeHub 21

Training related to Chemical Safety

Chemical spill response training

Fit testing for respirator user

Tips Prevention of Workplace Hazards

Source: https://www.wshc.sg/wps/portal/gallery?view=Flyer&openMenu=-1

Extension of the Workplace Safety and Health Act

The Workplace Safety and Health Council and the Ministry of Manpower announced the National Workplace Health Strategy at the National Workplace Safety and Health (NWSH) Campaign 2010 launch. Guest of Honour Minister for Manpower, Mr Gan Kim Yong, highlighted in his speech the key areas from the Workplace Health Strategy, as detailed below.

Manpower Minister announced the extension of the Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSH Act) to cover all workplaces and another 140,000 establishments in Sept 2011. He also announced, for consultation, a draft Guidebook on Common Hazards and Control Measures, covering key issues such as slips and trips in workplaces as well as injuries arising from improper handling of heavy loads.

Source: WSH Alert dated 29 Apr 2010

Five Parties Convicted for Failing to Ensure Workplace Safety

Two companies from the marine industry and three of their employees were convicted on 1 April 2010 for failing to ensure workplace safety. The convicted parties were fined a total of $485,000.

One of the companies was responsible for the death of 3 workers and injuries sustained by 10 others in two separate incidents in 2008. In the first incident, the company was engaged to install hydraulic pipes on a vessel. A fire broke out on the vessel and injured four workers.

It was found that the project manager had allowed compressed oxygen to be used to test the pipes. The pipes' rusty and rough interior generated heat when the pressurised oxygen passed through them. The heat, combined with the oxygen, rust and lubricating oil found in the vicinity, led to the explosion.

In the 2nd incident, 2 months later, a flash fire broke out on a vessel during spray painting works at the company's premises. The accident left 3 workers dead and 6 others injured. Investigations found that the company did not effectively ventilate the tanks to ensure that flammable vapours generated from the spray painting works did not build up. The ship repair manager had also approved the permit-to-work without ensuring the implementation of all safety measures, e.g. preventing workers from bringing in unsafe torchlights, which could have been the ignition source.

The 2nd company convicted was responsible for an accident on board a ship that claimed 2 lives, and injured another. The workers were assigned to clean a tank and they entered it even though it contained a high concentration of toxic Hydrogen Sulphide gas. Investigations revealed that the company had failed to provide them with safety equipment such as breathing devices and personal gas monitors. One of the supervisors had also told the workers to enter the tank even though it was dangerous to do so.

Chairman of the Workplace Safety and Health Council, Mr Lee Tzu Yang said the deaths and injuries in the cases are a "sombre reminder" of the workers affected by poor safety standards and a disregard for safety rules. "Each of the five workers who died had unfulfilled dreams and families who will miss them everyday. Industry players must constantly remind ourselves that we have a responsibility to ensure the safety of our workers. At no time should anyone disregard any safety measures so as to take an easier route to complete a job. In each of these cases, someone had ignored important safety measures," he said. On behalf of the WSH Council, he urged all stakeholders to think about the impact of one's actions and to always keep safety foremost on their minds.

Source: WSH Alert dated 27 Apr 2010