WSH Alert - Worker pinned by structure

 Worker pinned by collapsed structure

On 15 June 2023, a wall segment at the second storey of a building under demolition collapsed.

A worker who was walking along the pedestrian walkway beside the worksite hoarding was pinned by the collapsed structure. He was extricated from the rubble and pronounced dead at the scene.

What companies should do

Demolition works are high-risk construction activities. A demolition method statement must be prepared by a Professional Engineer. The method statement must ensure that before and during the demolition of any structure, the stability of the walls, ceilings, slabs, beams, and all other structures adjacent to the structure to be demolished is determined, taking into account the different designs and internal elements of each portion of the structure.

To prevent similar accidents, consider the following measures: 

• Pre-demolition survey: Conduct a detailed survey to assess the structural stability of the building and its surroundings before any demolition work begins. Install additional supports, e.g. shores, braces, and ties to prevent any structure or component from becoming unstable during demolition.

• Demolition plan: Establish a demolition plan detailing the demolition sequence and approach. Consider the structural supports and condition of the building to be demolished. Inform all workers of the method statement and safe sequence of work.

• Permit-to-work (PTW) system: A PTW system should be put in place to ensure all safe working conditions are met.

• Safe work method: Adopt a top-down wall-hacking approach to reduce the possibility of collapse of any large wall segment. Carry out the work in a safe and controlled manner that does not compromise the integrity of the remaining structure. Activity-based risk assessments must be carried out and relevant risk controls and safe work procedures must be implemented. 

• Work supervision: Supervise demolition work activities to ensure they are carried out according to the method statement safely. Supervisors should also monitor the site frequently for possible unsafe conditions and/or safety lapses.

• Safety training: Developers should consider sending their demolition contractors, consultant representatives, and supervisory staff to the demolition safety course conducted by the Singapore Contractors Association Limited.

For more information on safe demolition practices, please refer to the SS 557: 2010 Code of Practice for Demolition and WSH Council’s Technical Advisory for Demolition.

Under the WSH Act, first-time corporate offenders may be sentenced to the maximum fine of $500,000 whilst individuals can either be sentenced to the maximum fine of $200,000 and/or an imprisonment not exceeding 2 years. Read more on the WSH Act penalties.

WSH Alert - Worker Dies After Electrocuted

 Worker electrocuted during solar panel installation

On 12 June 2023, a group of workers was deployed to install solar panels on the rooftop of a building. During the installation, one of the workers noticed an exposed cable arcing and emitting smoke. He got electrocuted after coming into contact with the exposed cable.

He was sent to the hospital and died on the same day.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the cable was lying on the roof, which was wet due to rain before the incident.

What companies should do

Electrocution is a major concern during the installation of solar panels. Solar panels generate live current when exposed to sunlight, even when they are not plugged in.  

The following measures should be taken to protect workers: 

• Connect solar panels as per design: Ensure that the wirings of solar panels are connected in accordance to a design by a Licensed Electrical Worker.

• Insulate exposed electrical parts: Exposed cables or connectors that are not connected should have an insulated cap covering wire ends/terminals. Do not touch the terminals and use only insulated tools.

• Isolate and report damaged equipment: Identify and isolate any damaged wiring, connectors, or faulty equipment in the work area where possible, and report to the supervisor promptly.

• Environmental conditions: Stop electrical work during unfavourable weather, e.g. when there is heavy rain or when the work area is wet. 

• Trained workers: Ensure that only trained and competent workers are allowed to carry out solar panel installation works. They should be familiar with safe work procedures and risk control measures to protect them and their co-workers from risks such as electrocution.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Equip workers with electrically resistant PPE such as arc-rated protective gloves and rubber-soled shoes. 

Falls from height are also a risk when installing solar panels. While this case did not involve any falls, solar installers and contractors are reminded to establish and implement a site-specific fall prevention plan to eliminate or mitigate the risk of falling from height.

For more information, refer to the WSH Council’s article on Addressing WSH Risks for Safe Installation of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems and Energy Market Authority’s Guide to Solar PV.

Under the WSH Act, first-time corporate offenders may be sentenced to the maximum fine of $500,000 whilst individuals can either be sentenced to the maximum fine of $200,000 and/or an imprisonment not exceeding 2 years. Read more on the WSH Act penalties.

Worker Pinned Under Collapsed Structure

Another Workplace fatality where worker found dead under collapsed structure in Tanjong Pagar demolition site

SINGAPORE: Authorities have ordered all work to stop at a Tanjong Pagar building site where a structure collapsed on Thursday afternoon (Jun 15), resulting in the death of a worker.

In a joint statement, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said a reinforced concrete wall from the second storey of a building collapsed during demolition works.

The concrete wall, measuring about 10m long and 3.8m high, collapsed onto Bernam Street off Anson Road where Fuji Xerox Towers was being demolished.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to the incident at 2pm. 

A worker, an Indian national, was reported missing. He was later found pinned under the collapsed structure and his body was recovered at about 9.45pm after a nearly four-hour effort to free him.

REMAINING BUILDING "STABLE"

MOM and BCA said a professional engineer has assessed that the remaining building is "stable" with no structural concerns. 

BCA has instructed the parties involved in the project to stop all construction activities, and will revoke the permit for all works while investigations are ongoing. 

According to the authorities, the occupier of the worksite is Woh Hup and the employer of the worker is Aik Sun Demolition and Engineering. 

MOM has instructed Aik Sun Demolition and Engineering to stop all works at the site. 

Responding to CNA's queries, CDL expressed its condolences to the family of the worker, adding that it is working with his employer Aik Sun to offer assistance.

"Our immediate priority is the well-being of the affected workers, and we are working closely with our contractors to provide the necessary support," a spokesperson said.

"Workplace safety is of paramount importance and we are cooperating fully with the authorities for a thorough investigation.”

SCDF deployed 11 emergency vehicles and about 70 officers to the scene, including members from the elite Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART). Two search dogs were also involved in the operation.

"As a general safety measure, demolition works must be properly planned for structures to be demolished in a systematic manner," said BCA and MOM. 

This includes establishing a demolition plan detailing the demolition sequences and demolishing from the top down to reduce the possibility of collapse of large structures.

The site where Fuji Xerox Towers once stood is slated to be redeveloped as a mixed-use development called Newport Plaza by City Developments Limited (CDL).

Safe Installation of Solar Photovoltaic Systems

As part of Singapore Green Plan 2030  to quadruple solar energy deployment by 2025, large-scale deployment of solar photovoltaic systems is expected.  In view of the hazards/risks associated with the activity of installation of solar photovoltaic systems at height such as  falling from height, companies need to address WSH risks to ensure workers can install such system safely

Introduction

Under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, Singapore aims to have cleaner and better use of energy and become more energy efficient. One of the targets is to quadruple solar energy deployment by 2025, including covering HDB roof tops with solar panels, so that by 2030, solar energy deployed will be five times that of today. At its peak, the solar energy generated can power about 350,000 households a year. 

This means that large-scale deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across the island is expected in the years ahead. 

The best place for solar PV systems to be installed in land-scarce Singapore is on the roofs of commercial and residential buildings. Hence, rooftops will become a typical workplace setting and demand for competent contractors to complete these installation works will rise accordingly. 

In view of the upcoming demand, companies should take the following into consideration to ensure companies and workers can work safely. 

Pre-installation of the Solar PV system 

The first step is to select the right solar installer and roof work contractor (if engaged). Ensure that both have the sufficient knowledge, qualifications, equipment, skills, and safe systems of work that comply with the WSH legislations. 

The solar installer and roof work contractor must perform the following checks before starting onsite installation of the solar PV system: • Survey the actual worksite, i.e. the roof and surroundings; • Conduct worksite-specific risk assessment, such as inspecting the roof for structural integrity issues such as sharp edges, rot, or a sagging roof; • Assess the slope and pitch of the roof to evaluate the risk controls needed to ensure the safety of workers and the stability of the equipment used; and • Implement appropriate risk controls, such as temporary edge protection, scaffolding, mobile elevating work platforms, exclusion zones, and access to the roof or mechanical lifting aids. 

Installation of the Solar PV System 

The solar installer must survey the actual worksite to determine that the roof is suitable and safe for the installation. Critical checks for suitability include: 

• Confirming that the roof can support the additional loading imposed by the solar PV system, as well as the workers and their equipment;
• Checking that there are no open sides or whether it is possible to install edge protection at all open sides and openings; 
• Inspecting the roof condition and making the necessary repairs before allowing installation works to begin; 
• Ensuring there is sufficient space to be allocated as designated accessways between solar panel groups; 
• Verifying that designated accessways are free of hazards e.g. fragile surfaces. 
• Installing systems at safe distance from fall and electrical hazards, and allowing for a safe means of access, where reasonably practicable. 

Maintenance of the Solar PV System 

To eliminate or minimise the risks during the maintenance phase of an installed solar PV system, solar installers are recommended to consider the following: 

• Select a solar PV system that requires low or no maintenance alternatives where available, for example plastic wire ties would require replacement whereas coated metal ones may not 
• Select a modular system with removable panels and components for easy replacement;
•  Install a remote monitoring and control system to reduce the need for rooftop visits; 
• Deploy drones for site inspection; 
• Ensure that sufficient space has been allocated for maintenance equipment and onsite activities;
•  Label and mark all electrical components properly; and 
• Design a system to facilitate the isolation of individual panels

Hazards Arising from Installation and Maintenance of Solar PV Systems Installing and maintaining solar PV systems expose workers to risks of serious injury or death. The following are the hazards that workers may face: 

Access risks 

Getting to the roof may be a challenge depending on the building type and site conditions. Ideally, the building should be equipped with proper staircases or an elevator to provide direct access to the roof. Some buildings offer a fixed ladder with access via a roof hatch. If these are not available, an erection of a tower scaffold is necessary for safe access to the roof. 

Fall from height

Working on roofs and other works at height carry the risk of falling from height. Solar installers and contractors must put in place measures to ensure workers always remain safe while at work A site-specific fall prevention plan (FPP) must be established and implemented to eliminate or mitigate the risk of falling from height. Workers have a responsibility to comply with the safety requirements and report unsafe situations to their employers. Where there is a risk of objects falling from the roof, protective barriers must be installed to prevent objects from injuring anyone below. 

The site-specific FPP must cover the following

• Permit-to-Work (PTW) system; 

Put in place a PTW system for work activities where a person could fall more than three metres. Ensure on-site checks are carried out by a competent person and risk controls are confirmed effective before authorising the work at height Details on PTW system, including a sample PTW template can be found in the Code of Practice for Working Safely at Heights. 

• Safe Work Procedures (SWP)

:Develop a SWP for carrying out the task on the roof, taking into account the roofs characteristics, e.g. material of construction, profile and angle of slope, and the duration and frequency of work Provide supervision to ensure the SWP is strictly followed. A comprehensive SWP for work on roofs can be found in the WSH Guidelines on Working safely on roofs  

•Open side guarding: 

Install temporary guardrails or erect a scaffold platform with guardrails, if feasible, to prevent workers from falling off the roof edge. If this is not feasible, install a properly anchored lifeline for workers to attach themselves to, using fall-arrest or travel-restraint equipment. 

• Worker training: 

Deploy only workers who have successfully completed the Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Perform Work at Height course to work on roofs. Train workers to always anchor their safety harnesses when working at height. 

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): 

Equip roof workers with anti-slip safety footwear and, if necessary, fall-arrestor travel-restraint equipment along with secure anchor point(s) or lifeline. Read more in the WSH Guidelines on PPE for Work at Heights. 

If there is a risk of falling through a fragile surface while on the roof, e.g. skylights, additional risk controls may include:

•  Identify, mark, barricade and communicate the presence of fragile surfaces;
•  Cover the fragile surface with a secure cover or provide all-round barricades; 
• Provide workers with a way to work under, e.g. using a tower scaffold, or above the fragile surface, e.g. using a mobile elevated work platform; 
•  Install roof ladders, gangways, crawl boards and roof brackets to facilitate movement on sloping roofs; and 
• Deploy safety nets below fragile surfaces. 

Read more in the WSH Guidelines on Anchorage, Lifelines and Temporary Edge Protection Systems. 

Electrical risks 

Solar panel installers and maintenance personnel may be exposed to electrical risks while at work. To prevent electrical injuries, companies are advised to carry out the following: • Deploy only workers trained for electrical work; • Implement a PTW system for electrical works and allow work to start only when electrical systems are de-energised or isolated; 

• Implement lockout-tagout procedures to ensure de-energised or isolated systems cannot be turned on by accident; • Test if the electrical equipment is dead, e.g. by using a voltage detector, before working with it; • Provide workers with insulated tools, rubber-soled shoes, and electrically resistant gloves; • Stop electrical work during unfavourable weather, e.g. when there is a lightning risk, or when the work area is wet and • Ground all electrical circuits before turning on electrical systems. 

Other risks 

Monitor weather conditions and stop any roof works during unfavourable weather conditions such as strong winds, lightning, and heavy rain. For strong winds, ensure all equipment used are secured to prevent them from being blown off the roof. 

Check for slippery surfaces, e.g. wet or mossy conditions, as they may pose a risk to slips and falls; use anti-slip footwear if necessary. Work zone(s) need to be kept clear of tripping hazards such as loose tools, cables, or debris. 

Take care of workers by providing rest breaks, access to cool water, and mechanical aids, e.g. trolleys and power tools, to manage fatigue and heat stress. 

Further information 

1. WSH (Work at Heights) Regulations 2013  

2. Guide to Solar PV by Energy Market Authority 

3. Handbook for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems by Energy Market Authority and Building Construction Authority's Handbook for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems  

4. Best Practices for Installing Solar Panels on Buildina Rooftops by Buildina Construction  Authority, Energy Market Authority and Urban Redevelopment Authority  

Annex 1: 

WSH Checklist for safe installation of solar PV systems on the roofs 

This checklist highlights the key WSH considerations for installation of solar PV systems on roofs to help solar installers and contractors better manage WSH and implement effective control measures. The checklist is by no means exhaustive and is not a replacement for proper planning including a fall prevention plan and risk assessment 

Singapore Wild Boar Attack

Singapore reported a spate of incidents involving members of the Public injured by wild boars.

NParks is currently monitoring the situation and are also working with stakeholders on public education and outreach, to promote safe and responsible human-wildlife encounters

As part of its enforcement action, NPark will take action against those who feed wildlife, which is illegal , as this can alter the natural foraging behaviour of wild boars, leading them to rely on humans for food. 

NParks is also currently monitoring the Bukit Panjang area and has been installing exclusion fencing to prevent wild boars from straying out of forested areas. 

The agency said it adopts a community- and science-based approach to managing wild boar encounters, including habitat modification, managing their movement, relocation and culling.

"The approach taken takes into consideration the situation, location, health and behavioural conditions of the wild boars," it added. 

The agency also works with public agencies and developers to erect hoarding to prevent wildlife such as boars from straying into nearby residential areas. 

As wild boars are able to reproduce quickly and the lack of predators in Singapore, NParks said there is a need to "humanely manage" their population, especially when public safety is compromised. 

WHAT TO DO IN A WILD BOAR ENCOUNTER

When members of the public encounter a wild boar, they should remain as calm as possible and move slowly away, advised NParks. 

• Keep a safe distance and do not corner or provoke the animal.

• If the animals are seen with young piglets, people are advised to keep a distance as they can become aggressive when defending their young.

Members of the public should call the Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600 if they encounter a wild boar. a member of the public

Singapore Drug Stiffer Penalties

SINGAPORE: Effective from 1st June 2023, drug Offenders caught with large quantities of certain Class A controlled drugs, such as cannabis and methamphetamine, will face stiffer penalties – including caning said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The previous maximum punishment for possession of any controlled drug, regardless of weight, was 10 years’ jail, a fine of up to $20,000, or both.

Offenders can also be caned depending on the amount of drugs they possess. Mandatory minimum sentences for certain weight thresholds have also been set, while the maximum punishment will now be 30 years’ jail and 15 strokes of the cane.

Amendments to Singapore’s main drugs legislation, the Misuse of Drugs Act, were passed in parliament in March.

The eight controlled drugs that this will apply to are cannabis, cannabis mixture, cannabis resin, cocaine, diamorphine (pure heroin), methamphetamine, morphine and opium.

For example, those who possess less than 10g of diamorphine can be jailed for up to 10 years or fined up to S$20,000, or both. There is no statutory minimum.

Those convicted of possessing at least 10g but less than 15g of diamorphine will face a minimum of 10 years' jail and five strokes of the cane. The maximum sentence is double that.

Those who possess more than 15g will receive at least 20 years’ jail and 10 strokes of the cane. The maximum sentence is 30 years' jail and 15 strokes of the cane.

MHA previously said that the old sentencing framework for drug possession did not sufficiently account for the potential harm that could be caused by those who possess large quantities of drugs.

These eight drugs were selected because they “cause the most serious harms”, it added.

MHA also said that in recent years, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) has observed that syndicates are willing to deal in larger quantities of controlled drugs in each transaction – a shift that may correlate with abusers purchasing larger quantities of drugs in a single transaction, instead of multiple smaller quantity purchases.

In February, CNB revealed in its annual statistics report that the number of cannabis abusers aged below 20 who were arrested increased from eight in 2021 to 26 in 2022.

Other amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act that will take effect from Thursday include the director of CNB being able to recall Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel convicted of drug consumption under the SAF Act and get them to take a urine test.

This is in line with the CNB director's current powers to recall any former drug abuser to report for a urine test throughout the person’s life, to ensure they are no longer drug addicts.

CNB officers can also now make seizures based on reasonable suspicion, aligning these powers with those provided for under the Criminal Procedure Code.

New laws that were also passed in March to better tackle psychoactive substances, which produce the same or similar effects as controlled drugs, will take effect in the first half of 2024. More details will be announced in due course, MHA said.

Here is the video about Singapore's Youth Drug Problem

Behavioral Observation Intervention

Introduction to Behavioural Observation and Intervention

Developed by the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council, Behavioural Observation and Intervention (BO&I) is a simplified behavioural safety initiative a company may adopt to demonstrate care for its workers, instil in them safe work practices, and reduce the incidence of at-risk work behaviours. The BO&I initiative supports WSH culture building efforts and can be used to enhance the “Ownership and Teamwork” attribute of the WSH CultureSAFE Model.

What is Behavioural Observation and Intervention?

BO&I is a safety initiative developed by the WSH Council. It aims to promote safe work practices and instil a sense of safety ownership in all workers in a company.

What can Behavioural Observation and Intervention do?

BO&I aims to reduce the incidence of at-risk work behaviours, resulting in fewer WSH incidents and injuries, lower operating costs, greater productivity and improved WSH performance.

Who is Behavioural Observation and Intervention for?

BO&I is for all companies, including Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs),which are keen to explore a behavioural approach to improving WSH performance.

Why implement Behavioural Observation and Intervention?

Beyond increased productivity and improved WSH performance, BO&I is a significant step to establish a positive WSH culture where employers and employees care for one another, exercise teamwork, and take greater ownership of their actions and those of their colleagues.

Other benefits of implementing BO&I include:

• allowing management to demonstrate commitment to WSH;
• enabling two-way WSH ommunication between the workforce and management and between employees;
• engaging employees in matters pertaining to WSH;
• empowering employees to act promptly in response to at-risk behaviours;
• creating greater awareness of the impact of human factors on WSH.

Where can Behavioural Observation and Intervention work?

BO&I can be implemented in any industry (from construction, marine and manufacturing to healthcare, retail and almost any office-based work environment) where WSH is of paramount importance and the goal is for every worker to go home to their families safe and injury-free at the end of each day.

When is the right time for Behavioural Observation and Intervention?

Companies with safe work procedures (SWPs) and a WSH management system in place will be in a better position to reap the benefits of BO&I.

To download a copy of the WSH guide on Behavioral Observation Intervention

And here is the video on Behavioral Observation Intervention