Pump attendant knocked down by a car
On 19 January 2023, a pump attendant was walking towards a pump island when he was hit by a car exiting the petrol station. The attendant fell to the ground and later passed away due to his injuries.
The WSH Council calls on all companies involved in operating petrol stations to do an urgent assessment of their traffic safety measures to prevent vehicle accidents.
What companies should do
Companies should urgently assess and ensure that their WSH management system includes the following measures or checks:
• Traffic Management Plan (TMP): Implement a TMP to minimise the risk of vehicle collisions and improve the safety of all persons at a petrol station. Suggested risk controls include:
- implement a speed limit within the station and communicate this clearly via traffic signage;
- install road humps or rumble strips at strategic locations to slow down vehicle movement;
- post signage (e.g. at the pump island) and/ or road markings to remind drivers to keep a lookout for pedestrians;
- place convex mirrors to eliminate blind spots within the petrol station; and
- provide pedestrian crossing(s) that are clearly visible to drivers to facilitate safe people’s movement to and from pump islands.
• Hazard communication: Brief workers on the possible workplace hazards and the dangers of distracted walking (e.g. walking while looking at one’s handphone) at a petrol station. Movement to and from pump islands should only be at designated pedestrian crossings. Equip each worker with a high-visibility reflective vest.
For more information, refer to WSH Council’s WSH Guidelines on Workplace Traffic Safety Management and 6 Basic WSH Rules for Traffic Management.
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.
During the Heightened Safety Period (1 September 2022 to 28 February 2023), the Ministry of Manpower will impose severe actions for serious WSH lapses, which include:
• Debarment from hiring new work pass holders
• Company leaders to personally account to MOM and take responsibility for rectifications
• Engaging external auditors to conduct a thorough review of company’s WSH processes
