WSH Alert- Worker struck by crane boom

 

Worker struck by crane boom

On 13 December 2022, a worker was on the bed of a lorry crane assisting in the unloading of steel bars from the lorry crane when the crane boom suddenly fell and struck him. The worker died at the scene.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the crane boom fell when it was lifting some steel bars. The lifting operation was not carried out by a proper lifting team and there was no lifting plan.

Recommendations

Lorry cranes are used extensively in Singapore. Lifting operations involving lorry cranes are highrisk activities, especially if they are not carried out properly. A few other accidents involving lorry cranes have happened this year, with the two most recent ones occurring on 26 August and 7 December 2022. To prevent such accidents, consider the following measures:

• Safe lifting operation: Ensure that a competent lifting team (typically comprising a crane operator, lifting supervisor, rigger, and signalman) is deployed and a lifting plan is developed, before a lifting operation commences, including those conducted by sub-contractors. The liking plan must be supported with a site-specific risk assessment, safe lifting procedures, and authorised via a permit-to-work system. Brief the lifting team thoroughly on the lifting plan before each lifting operation.

• Safe work position: Instruct workers never to stand under a suspended load and the crane's boom. Crane operators should not proceed with the lifting operation if there are workers located under the load or boom.

• Test and examination: Ensure that lorry cranes are tested and examined by an Authorised Examiner (AE) according to MOM's requirements. More frequent checks may be necessary for lorry cranes with high usage or used in harsh conditions. An example of a standard checklist for mobile crane examination is given in Annex I of the SS 536: 2008. Do not allow cranes with an expired AE certificate to be used.

• Regular maintenance: Place lorry cranes on a planned maintenance schedule according to the manufacturers recommendation, and additional attention is to be given to critical parts of the lorry crane. Ensure that maintenance works are carried out by competent persons.

• Pre-use inspection: Require and ensure lorry crane operators conduct daily pre-use checks before each work day/shift. Daily checks include operating the crane through all its motions without loads and verifying that safety devices are in proper working condition. Any problem areas or defects spotted must be raised and the use of the crane suspended until all issues are addressed. A sample pre-use checklist for lorry cranes can be found in Annex 2 of WSH Guidelines on Safe Use of Lorry Cranes.

Weekly inspection is also recommended so that a more detailed inspection can be carried out.

WSH Alert -Worker Pinned Under Toppled Machine

Unsafe use of forklift: Worker pinned under toppled machine 

On 27 December 2022, a worker was guiding a forklift to position its forks under a machine. However, the machine toppled onto the worker. He was sent to the hospital where he passed away.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the forks of the forklift were raised before they were fully inserted under the machine. The lifting of the partially-inserted forks caused the machine to topple.

In 2022, there were six cases of forklift-related fatal workplace accidents. Two cases involved workers being crushed under forklifts that toppled from unbalanced loads, another two cases involved workers being run over or crushed by moving forklifts, and the remaining two, including this case, involved forklift forks toppling objects onto workers. Read more on these cases and other forklift related resources. 

As forklift accidents can lead to serious injuries and death, the WSH Council calls on all companies using forklifts to undertake an urgent assessment of their safety measures in the use of forklifts.

What companies should do

Companies should urgently assess and ensure that their WSH management system includes the following measures or checks:

● Competent forklift operator: Allow only competent and authorised persons to operate forklifts. Ensure all forklift operators have completed the necessary certifications such as the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Operate Forklift Course. Require forklift operators to attend refresher training at least once every three years.

● Safe Work Procedure (SWP): Implement a SWP for moving heavy equipment/machines. Consult the manufacturer for advice on how specific equipment/machines can be moved safely.

● Safe forking operation: Instruct forklift operators to carry out the following when using forks to pick up a load, and ensure that the operator has a clear view of the lifting operation:

•  Check that the spread of the forks is suitable for the width of the load.
•  Insert the forks under the load fully or as far as possible.
•  Raise the forks slightly to check that the load is stable on the forks.
•  Tilt back the forks slightly to prevent slippage before moving off with the load.

Wherever possible, loads ought to be placed on pallets as pallets enable safer load handling. Loads that may topple or fall and endanger a worker must be properly secured onto the pallet before being moved.

● Safe work zone: Require forklift operators to confirm all workers are in a safe position before starting operations. When picking up a load, the operator must only raise the forks when there is no one in the danger zone# should the load topple. Authorise operators to stop forklift operations once anyone comes into an unsafe position.  

# “danger zone”: refers to an area where one can get injured 

 ● Hazard communication and work supervision: Communicate to workers the possible on-site hazards and risk controls in place before allowing forklift operations to begin. Deploy a supervisor to oversee operations and ensure that the work is carried out as per SWP.

For more information, refer to the Singapore Standard SS 573: 2012 Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Powered Counterbalanced Forklifts, and WSH Council’s WSH Guidelines on Safe Operation of Forklifts and Forklift Safety Pack.

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

* Information on the accident is based on preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Manpower as at 3 January 2023. This may be subject to change as investigations are still on-going. Please also note that the recommendations provided here are not exhaustive and they are meant to enhance workplace safety and health so that a recurrence may be prevented. The information and recommendations provided are not to be construed as implying liability on any party nor should it be taken to encapsulate all the responsibilities and obligations under the law.

WSH Alert - Worker Dies After Falling From A Ledge

 

Worker dies after falling from a ledge On 12 January 2023, a worker was carrying out façade painting works at a condominium using a suspended scaffold (gondola). He stepped out of the gondola at level 3 and climbed over the parapet wall to use the stairs to reach level 4. He then climbed onto the open ledge on level 4. While working on the ledge, he fell and landed in the basement. He was pronounced dead at the scene.  The worker was wearing a body harness but it was not anchored.  Façade painting or cleaning works are high-risk activities commonly carried out using gondolas and rope access. The WSH Council calls on all companies involved in façade painting or cleaning works to undertake an urgent assessment of their safety measures to prevent falls from height.  What companies should do Companies should urgently assess and ensure that their WSH management system includes the following measures or checks: ● Safe use of gondolas: Instruct workers never to climb in or out of the gondola unless it is at rest, on the ground, or at a level that allows safe entry or exit. While in the gondola, each worker must put on a safety harness secured to an independent vertical lifeline.  ● Safe working on ledges: Confirm with the building occupier or principal that the ledges are load bearing and able to support the weight of workers and their equipment. Check for fragile surfaces and openings on the ledge. Install temporary edge protection (e.g. guardrails) at all open sides. If this is not possible, implement a fall prevention plan and permit-to-work system for all work at height activities where a worker could fall more than three metres. Provide anchor points or lifelines to which fall arrest equipment or travel restraints can be secured. ● Competent workers: Deploy only workers who have received adequate WSH training for working at height. Emphasise to workers the importance of achieving 100% tie-off at all times whenever there is a risk of falling from height. ● Hazard communication: Employers must communicate to workers (e.g. during daily toolbox meetings) the hazards in the designated work area and the risk controls in place before starting work.   MCSTs of residential and commercial properties are also expected to check that contractors doing works at height (such as painting works) within their properties implement the above measures. In addition, MCSTs should adopt the following:  ● Hazard communication: The building occupier or principal must brief contractors on the worksite hazards and verify that risk controls have been implemented effectively before allowing contractors to start work.    ● Use of technology: Consider the use of robots for façade painting or cleaning works to eliminate the need for works at height.  For more information, refer to the WSH (Scaffolds) Regulations 2011, and the WSH Council’s Code of Practice for Working Safely at Heights, WSH Guidelines on Anchorages, Lifelines and Temporary Edge Protection Systems, and WSH Guide for Management Corporation Strata Title. 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.  Relevant parties such as MCSTs, managing agents and contractors may be liable for prosecution under the WSH Act if they have breached any of their duties under the Act.   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

WSH Alert - Acetylene gas explosion kills worker

 

Acetylene gas explosion kills worker

On 30 December 2022, two workers were checking and maintaining spent cylinders when an explosion occurred. One worker was killed while the other worker was conveyed to the hospital for smoke inhalation and subsequently discharged. Preliminary investigations revealed that the cylinders contained remnant acetylene, which fuelled the explosion when it was released during cylinder maintenance.

Scene of the accident.

Spent gas cylinders may contain significant amounts of remnant gas, which can cause death or serious injuries when released. The WSH Council calls on all companies storing or handling flammable gas cylinders to undertake an urgent assessment of their safety measures.

What companies should do

Companies should urgently assess and ensure that their WSH management system includes the following measures or checks:

● Safe remnant gas release: Discharge flammable gases from cylinders only under safe conditions and after a thorough assessment of work and environmental risks. Any release should be properly controlled. Flammable gases should be discharged through vent lines to a safe location, with control valves and flame arrestor as well as effective ventilation to prevent build-up of a flammable mixture.   ● Remove ignition sources: Remove all potential sources of ignition (e.g. open flames, frictional sparks, hot surfaces) from the designated work area before discharging flammable gas. Bonding and grounding may be necessary to reduce static discharge. Check electrical outlets for overloading as well as electrical equipment for defective or exposed wiring as these can cause overheating or produce sparks.

● Safer equipment and tools: Use non-sparking tools when working with gas cylinders containing flammables. Ensure that electrical equipment (including work area lighting) used is rated explosion-proof.

● Segregation of incompatible work: Check for incompatible work (e.g. hot work or any work that generates sparks) nearby before discharging flammable gas. Do not proceed with flammable gas discharge if there is incompatible work.   ● Hazard communication: Label gas cylinders as per SS 586: Part 2: 2014 Specification for Hazard Communication for Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous Goods to warn of the hazards and precautions for proper storage and handling. Brief workers on the risk controls in place and provide on-site supervision to ensure the work is carried out safely.    ● Personal protective equipment: In addition to fire-retardant coveralls, equip workers with personal gas detectors or install fixed gas detectors within the work area where gas can accumulate to alert workers to the build-up of a flammable mixture.

For more information, refer to WSH (General Provisions) Regulations, SS 639: 2018 Code of Practice for the Filling, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Gas Cylinders for the Storage and Transport of Compressed Gases: Part 3 Acetylene Cylinders – Periodic Inspection and Maintenance, WSH Council’s Code of Practice on WSH Risk Management, and WSH Guidelines on Management of Hazardous Chemicals Programme. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet for detailed information specific to acetylene.

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 from Singapore Ministry of Manpower Website 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