Improvement In Workplace Fatality

IMPROVEMENTS IN WORKPLACE FATALITIES IN 1H 2023

In the first half of 2023 (1H 2023), the annualised fatality rate per 100,000 workers dropped by half to 0.8, as compared to 1.6 for the same period in 2022 (1H 2022), and 1.3 for second half of 2022 (2H 2022). The annualised major injury rate remained stable at 17.2 in 1H 2023 when compared to 17.3 for both 1H and 2H 2022. The improvements reflect the positive outcomes from the Heightened Safety Period (HSP), which ended on 31 May 2023. This also places Singapore back on track towards meeting our WSH2028 aspirations of a fatality rate below 1.0 per 100,000 workers. Based on our safety performance in the past 3 years, Singapore comes after the top four OECD countries.

2 Notwithstanding the above, there is room for improvement in the Construction and Manufacturing sectors - the two biggest contributors for fatal and major injuries. 

a. For the Construction sector, the number of fatalities at regular construction worksites decreased in 1H 2023 compared to 2H 2022. However, more targeted interventions are required for smaller-scale construction works such as Addition & Alteration, Renovation and Facility Management. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will work with relevant agencies and industry to enhance the safety standards for contractors involved in such works. 

b. For the Manufacturing sector, there was an overall decrease in fatalities in 1H 2023. However, the number of major injuries increased, particularly in the Metalworking sub-sector, compared to 2H 2022. The Demerit Point System will be expanded from the Construction sector to the Manufacturing sector in October 2023, as earlier announced by the Multi-Agency Workplace Safety and Health Taskforce (MAST). Additionally, MOM will prioritise targeted inspections to detect and deter breaches in the Metalworking sub-sector.

3 The Government has been sustaining efforts to improve WSH. When Singapore exited the HSP, MAST retained most of the measures introduced during HSP, and added a new set of Safety Accountability, Focus and Empowerment (SAFE) measures to instil greater WSH ownership at the sectoral, company and worker levels. MAST will continue to study if additional SAFE measures are required to improve WSH outcomes in specific sectors. 

4 WSH is a collective responsibility. All stakeholders – the Government, employers, workers, union leaders, industry associations, WSH professionals and members of the public – need to play their part in preventing workplace incidents, and building safer workplaces. 

ANNEX

ANNEXES - INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON-SUMMARY OF FINDINGS-SAFE MEASURES

1H 2023 Workplace Safety and Health Report

1H 2023 Workplace Safety Health Report Infographic

Hospitality Entertainment Vision Zero

Vision Zero is an ongoing movement that calls upon employers, workers, unions, and the government to embrace and commit to a mindset that every injury and ill-health at work is preventable, and a belief that zero harm is possible. The WSH Council calls upon all H&EI establishments to show your support by pledging for the Vision Zero movement, so that we can make all workplaces safe and healthy for our workers.

Organised by the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council and in collaboration with various associations from the Hospitality and Entertainment Industries (H&EI), this event will witness H&EI associations’ representatives pledge for Vision Zero (VZ) and kickstart the industry’s VZ movement. The Forum includes a panel discussion where key industry leaders will share and discuss strategies for implementing VZ, including creating a culture of speaking up for safety and inculcating pervasive WSH training. Exhibition booths at the Forum will feature WSH technologies and equipment, as well as programmes that can support companies in their WSH journey.

Mr Abu Bakar Mohd Nor, Chairman of WSH Council will be the Guest-of-Honour (GOH) for the event. Ms Dawn Teo, Chairperson of the WSH Council (Hospitality & Entertainment Industries) Committee will lead the pledge by the H&EI associations as they embark on the VZ movement. 

Register for the Vision Zero Forum for the Hospitality and Entertainment Industries now.

Find out more about the event programme below:  

WSH Guidelines Construction Procurement

Public Consultation for WSH Guidelines for Procurement in the Construction Industry

Workplace Safety and Health Council is currently seeking industry stakeholders views and insights to help shape the future of workplace safety and health in Singapore

In collaboration with key industry partners, the WSH Council has developed the WSH Guidelines for Procurement in the Construction Industry. This set of guidelines provides guidance to private and public developers on integrating WSH considerations into the procurement process by selecting competent contractors that can execute the construction project in a safe and healthy manner. 

By considering the WSH implications of decisions made during the procurement process, various stakeholders in the construction industry can influence positive WSH outcomes during the construction life-cycle and in turn, strengthen WSH ownership within the industry.

The WSH Council invite industry stakeholders to share your feedback on the draft WSH Guidelines for Procurement in the Construction Industry before it is finalised and published. Please email the completed public consultation form to contact@wshc.sg by 17 October 2023.  

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Safe Use of Machineries and Combustible Dust

From June 2024, manufacturers, suppliers and users of industrial machineries and combustible dust are required to comply with additional standards based on the recommendations of the Tuas Explosion Inquiry Committee. This is part of the Ministry of Manpower’s new SAFE measures to strengthen ownership at the sectoral level.

These new requirements ensure companies are aware of potential hazards so that they can better manage the risks posed by the diversity of machines and substances used in the industry.

To further support the industry, the WSH Council has developed a poster on the “6 Basic WSH Rules for Handling Combustible Dust” to assist the industry on the dos and don’ts when handling combustible dust.

Read more on the new standards on the Safe Use of Machineries and Combustible Dust.

SnapSAFE Reporting Saves Lives

 MOM SnapSAFE - Reporting saves lives

You can report to MOM for workplace safety and health (WSH) violation or lapses.

SnapSAFE is a reporting platform that allows you to report unsafe workplace practices to MOM. You can use SnapSAFE if:

• You see worker/s working unsafely; or
• You spot a hazardous worksite or equipment; or
• You were asked to work in an unsafe manner or environment without any protections.

Reporting unsafe workplace practices saves lives

Whether you are a member of the public or a worker/employee, you can play a part in keeping our workplaces safe.

As a member of the public, report to MOM if you observe unsafe workplace practices. By doing so, you may have prevented an accident and injuries to the workers.

If you are a worker/employee, report to your supervisor, management if you observe unsafe workplace practices or were asked to work in an unsafe manner or environment without any protections. By doing so, you are helping to create a safer workplace for both you and your co-workers.

If you are a union member, you can also report to your union. If need be, you can also report to MOM.

How to report to MOM

To report to MOM, you can simply submit your report via SnapSAFE by providing the following information.

• Photos of the unsafe practice or situation
• Description of what you spotted
• Location where you spotted it
• Name of company involved (if available)
• Date and time when you spotted it

MOM carefully assesses every report and will take the appropriate follow-up actions which may include fines, warnings or advisory depending on the severity of the safety lapses. However, we will not be able to disclose our regulatory actions to external parties.

Your identity will be kept confidential

We understand the importance of protecting your privacy, and we will not disclose your identity to the company or employer involved.

We will use the information you provided to us for our investigation. We may contact you for clarification if necessary.

Guides and resources

The theme for the National Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Campaign 2023 is “Reporting Saves Lives”. We want to empower members of public and workers to make a difference to the safety and health for our workers.

The WSH Council has produced a series of collaterals to educate workers and members of the public on the importance of reporting. For more information on the campaign and to view the collaterals, visit www.taketimetotakecare.sg.

WSHC Ladder and Roofworks Safety Pack

Release of SME WSH Packs on Ladder Safety and Roofworks Safety

Falls from height have consistently been one of the top causes of workplace fatalities; they contribute to more than a third of total workplace fatalities in Singapore every year.

To support companies, in particular small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in preventing falls from height, the WSH Council has released two more SME WSH Packs focused on working safely at height. These WSH Packs on ladder safety and roofworks safety contain bite-sized guidance materials to help SMEs build better awareness and management of work-at-height risks:

• Ladder Safety Guidebook

• Warning Stickers for Ladder Safety

• Activity-Based Checklists on Working on Rooftops

• Activity-Based Checklists on Working Safely at Heights

• Activity-Based Checklists on Safe Use of Ladders

• 6 Basic WSH Rules for Working on Roofs

• 6 Basic WSH Rules for Working at Heights

• 6 Basic WSH Rules for Safe Use of Ladders

• 6 Basic WSH Rules for Reducing Workplace Risks

• 6 Basic WSH Rules for Workplace Housekeeping 

Download the SME WSH Pack on Ladder Safety in English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil.

Download the SME WSH Pack on Roofworks Safety in English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil.

Download the earlier released SME WSH Pack on Slips, Trips and Falls, and the SME WSH Pack on Vehicular Safety

SME WSH Packs on Ladder Safety in English

SMEs engaged in activities involving ladder use can refer to the SME WSH Pack on Ladder Safety for bite-sized guidance materials. The Pack comprises a guidebook, warning stickers, checklists and posters, and is available in English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil.

SME WSH Pack on Roofworks Safety in English

With falls from height contributing to more than a third of total workplace fatalities in Singapore every year, SMEs can build greater awareness and better manage work-at-height risks by referring to SME WSH Pack on Roofworks Safety. The Pack comprises of checklists and posters, and is available in English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil.