WSH Case Studies For Learning

 What is WSH Case Studies

WSH Case Studies is a free resources for various groups from management and safety professionals to supervisors and workers for improving WSH practices .

It offers insights to past  accidents that have taken place in Singapore. The case studies not only provide lessons learnt for the industry, but more importantly, they remind us to actively review our current practices and continually find ways to make our workplaces safer. Readers are encouraged to carefully think through each case, review its relevancy and context to specific workplace situations, and incorporate the lessons learnt where appropriate.

Here are some workplace accidents case studies for your review 

1)WSH Case Studies - Chemical Industry

This booklet is divided into various sections according to type of incident for easy reference. The 5M (Mission, Man, Machine and Management, Medium) Model (see Appendix B) is used to analyse the contributing factors of each case. At the end of the booklet is a section on occupational health hazards. Unlike safety hazards, consequences posed by occupational health hazards may not be as obvious and immediate. Adverse health effects may be chronic in nature and can take a long time for the occupational disease to manifest. This section will show innovative approaches used in addressing exposure to occupational health hazards involving noise, ergonomics and chemicals. 

2)WSH Case Studies -Accident Involving Working At Heights

Case Studies of Accidents Involving Working at Heights is the result of collective efforts of Ministry of Manpower and National WAH Safety Taskforce. Past concluded fatal accidents were compiled and categorised according to incident types for ease of reference. Through root cause analysis of these accidents, causes were examined and key learning points shared. The lessons and recommendations within will help you in implementing appropriate WSH measures at your workplaces to prevent work at heights injuries 

3)WSH Case Studies -Working in and around Water

This case studies booklet aims to raise WSH awareness and reiterate the importance of strengthening WSH ownership at all levels. It was developed by the Ministry of Manpower and the WSH Council, with feedback solicited from members of the WSH Council (Marine Industries) Committee, National Maritime Safety at Sea Council, and the MPA-Harbour Craft Safety Working Group. The ten case studies include scenarios like transfer to and from vessels, transport via barges, mooring and diving operations. Each incident will be accompanied by lessons learnt and recommendations.

4)WSH Case Studies -Wood Working

This case studies showcased 3 workplace accident associated with fingers severed by both table saw and circular saw in the Wood Working Industry

5)WSH Case Studies -Fatal Fire in LPG Filling Facility

Workplaces handling LPG and other flammable substances, are reminded to take heed of the learning points and implement effective risk control measures to prevent any similar recurrences.

In summary, the four learning points from the incident are:

1) Protect small-bore pipelines from accidental impact;
2) Provide a master shutdown button for safe and coordinated stoppage of gas filling;
3) Provide fire retardant clothing (FRC) to workers working with flammable substances; and
4) Plan and implement an effective emergency response

6)WSH Case Studies - Fatal Accident Involving Failure of a Tower Crane

This case studies showcased Learning Report involving Failure of Luffing Jib Tower Crane at Kajima Overseas Asia (Singapore) Pte Ltd’s Worksite Located at Tan Tock Seng Link.In summary, the two key learning points from this incident are:

1) Eliminate Risk of Entanglement between Erection Ropes and other Structures; and

2) Ensure Erection Ropes return to their Resting Position.

7)WSH Case Studies - Construction Industry

This compilation of case studies on fatalities in the construction industry depicts how the accidents occurred and provides valuable learning points on how they could have been prevented.

1. Falls from Height

2. Worker Struck by Fall

3. Electrocution

4. Worker Struck by/against Objects/Machines

8)WSH Case Studies - Marine Industry

Every year, more than 300 injuries befall our workers in the marine industry. Some workers who are severely injured face long roads to recovery or suffer from permanent incapacity. Some may never return home to their loved ones. It is our belief that no one should be injured at work. Everyone should go home safely every day, free from harm.

The Committee, comprising of business leaders from the marine sector, has put in a lot of effort to safeguard the workers. Although we have reduced the number of fatalities over the years, such incidents still happen, and sadly, some of these incidents are very similar in nature. Hence, the lessons drawn from these incidents are key to us in preventing the next incident from recurring. That is why we have pooled together our WSH expertise from various companies to compile these case studies.

This booklet is divided into various sections according to incident type for easy reference. The underlying causes of these accidents are carefully examined through root cause analysis. Make full use of this compilation, to share these cases at your company’s training or toolbox meetings on a regular basis and undertake study through each case, review its relevancy and context to specific workplace situations, and incorporate the lessons learnt where appropriate. 

9)WSH Case Studies - Logistics & Transport Industry

FALLS FROM HEIGHT

Case 1 Fall from the top of a stack of steel pipes 

Case 2 Fall from height 

Case 3 Fall from skyloader 

CAUGHT IN BETWEEN OBJECTS

Case 4 Caught between the mast section and cabin of forklift 

Case 5 Crushed in between metal racks 

Case 6 Crushed between prime mover and container 

Case 7 Hand crushed by winding rope 

Case 8 Finger severed by swiftly curling tow line 

STRUCK BY MACHINES

Case 9 Finger severed by closing panel cover 

Case 10 Fingers amputated by bandsaw 

STRUCK BY FALLING OBJECTS

Case 11 Struck by falling metal beams 

STRUCK BY MOVING VEHICLES

Case 12 Pinned to ground by toppling forklift 

Case 13 Struck by side loader 

Case 14 Thrown out of vehicle upon collision 

Case 15 Hit by side loader 

ELECTROCUTION

Case 16 Electrocution 

WORK-RELATED TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

Case 17 Collision between motor bus and motorcycle 

Case 18 Collision between prime mover and motorcycle

10)WSH Case Studies - Metal Working Industry

Machine Operation

Case 1 Aluminium strip pierces a worker’s neck 

Case 2 Worker’s palm gets crushed 

Case 3 Worker’s thumb gets severed 

Machine Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Case 4 Worker pinned by a steel object 

Case 5 Worker gets killed by a steel mesh machine 

Case 6 Worker falls through an opening 

Case 7 Worker’s two fingers get severed 

Case 8 Worker’s two fingers get crushed 

Material Handling

Case 9 Worker killed by a toppling object 

Case 10 Worker’s ring finger gets severed 

Forklift Operation

Case 11 Worker gets pinned under an overturned forklift 

Case 12 Supervisor killed by falling angle bars 

Case 13 Supervisor killed by a collapsing shelter 

Lifting Operation

Case 14 Lorry crane driver gets pinned under H-piles 

Case 15 Worker is pinned between a gantry crane and a building column

Case 16 Worker gets killed by toppled scaffold frames 

Case 17 Worker falls and gets crushed by an electrical distribution box

Case 18 Worker’s fourth finger gets partially amputated 

Case 19 Worker’s middle finger gets partially amputated 

Case 20 Worker loses his left little finger 

Material Storage

Case 21 Store assistant falls off a cantilever rack 

Case 22 Worker is crushed by toppling steel beams 

Case 23 Worker falls from a stack of platform beam trusses 

Other Cases

Case 24 Worker falls from a stepladder 

Case 25 Worker killed by a ruptured pressure receiver 

Case 26 Worker gets electrocuted while removing an extension cord

Case 27 Worker crushed by a toppling stiffener plate 

Case 28 Worker is pinned under a toppled I-beam 

11)WSH Case Studies - Food Manufacturing Industry

Case 1 Worker Found Dead Inside Mixing Tank 

Case 2 Worker Killed during Machine Cleaning 

Case 3 Worker Loses Finger when Working with Band Saw 

Case 4 Worker Struck by Fallen Window Sash 

Case 5 Worker Died after Slip and Fall at Bread Factory 

Case 6 Worker’s Hand Caught in Meat Mincer

 

WSH Case Studies -Food Manufacturing Industry

What is WSH Case Studies

WSH Case Studies is a free resources for various groups from management and safety professionals to supervisors and workers for improving WSH practices .

It offers insights to past  accidents that have taken place in Singapore. The case studies not only provide lessons learnt for the industry, but more importantly, they remind us to actively review our current practices and continually find ways to make our workplaces safer. Readers are encouraged to carefully think through each case, review its relevancy and context to specific workplace situations, and incorporate the lessons learnt where appropriate.

WSH Case Studies - Food Manufacturing Industry

Case 1 Worker Found Dead Inside Mixing Tank 

Case 2 Worker Killed during Machine Cleaning 

Case 3 Worker Loses Finger when Working with Band Saw 

Case 4 Worker Struck by Fallen Window Sash 

Case 5 Worker Died after Slip and Fall at Bread Factory 

Case 6 Worker’s Hand Caught in Meat Mincer

To learn more click

WSH Case Studies -Metal Working Industry

What is WSH Case Studies

WSH Case Studies is a free resources for various groups from management and safety professionals to supervisors and workers for improving WSH practices .

It offers insights to past  accidents that have taken place in Singapore. The case studies not only provide lessons learnt for the industry, but more importantly, they remind us to actively review our current practices and continually find ways to make our workplaces safer. Readers are encouraged to carefully think through each case, review its relevancy and context to specific workplace situations, and incorporate the lessons learnt where appropriate.

WSH Case Studies - Metal Working Industry

Machine Operation

Case 1 Aluminium strip pierces a worker’s neck 

Case 2 Worker’s palm gets crushed 

Case 3 Worker’s thumb gets severed 

Machine Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Case 4 Worker pinned by a steel object 

Case 5 Worker gets killed by a steel mesh machine 

Case 6 Worker falls through an opening 

Case 7 Worker’s two fingers get severed 

Case 8 Worker’s two fingers get crushed 

Material Handling

Case 9 Worker killed by a toppling object 

Case 10 Worker’s ring finger gets severed 

Forklift Operation

Case 11 Worker gets pinned under an overturned forklift 

Case 12 Supervisor killed by falling angle bars 

Case 13 Supervisor killed by a collapsing shelter 

Lifting Operation

Case 14 Lorry crane driver gets pinned under H-piles 

Case 15 Worker is pinned between a gantry crane and a building column

Case 16 Worker gets killed by toppled scaffold frames 

Case 17 Worker falls and gets crushed by an electrical distribution box

Case 18 Worker’s fourth finger gets partially amputated 

Case 19 Worker’s middle finger gets partially amputated 

Case 20 Worker loses his left little finger 

Material Storage

Case 21 Store assistant falls off a cantilever rack 

Case 22 Worker is crushed by toppling steel beams 

Case 23 Worker falls from a stack of platform beam trusses 

Other Cases

Case 24 Worker falls from a stepladder 

Case 25 Worker killed by a ruptured pressure receiver 

Case 26 Worker gets electrocuted while removing an extension cord

Case 27 Worker crushed by a toppling stiffener plate 

Case 28 Worker is pinned under a toppled I-beam 

To learn more click

WSH Case Studies - Logistics & Transport Industry

What is WSH Case Studies

WSH Case Studies is a free resources for various groups from management and safety professionals to supervisors and workers for improving WSH practices .

It offers insights to past  accidents that have taken place in Singapore. The case studies not only provide lessons learnt for the industry, but more importantly, they remind us to actively review our current practices and continually find ways to make our workplaces safer. Readers are encouraged to carefully think through each case, review its relevancy and context to specific workplace situations, and incorporate the lessons learnt where appropriate.

WSH Case Studies - Logistics & Transport Industry

FALLS FROM HEIGHT

Case 1 Fall from the top of a stack of steel pipes 

Case 2 Fall from height 

Case 3 Fall from skyloader 

CAUGHT IN BETWEEN OBJECTS

Case 4 Caught between the mast section and cabin of forklift 

Case 5 Crushed in between metal racks 

Case 6 Crushed between prime mover and container 

Case 7 Hand crushed by winding rope 

Case 8 Finger severed by swiftly curling tow line 

STRUCK BY MACHINES

Case 9 Finger severed by closing panel cover 

Case 10 Fingers amputated by bandsaw 

STRUCK BY FALLING OBJECTS

Case 11 Struck by falling metal beams 

STRUCK BY MOVING VEHICLES

Case 12 Pinned to ground by toppling forklift 

Case 13 Struck by side loader 

Case 14 Thrown out of vehicle upon collision 

Case 15 Hit by side loader 

ELECTROCUTION

Case 16 Electrocution 

WORK-RELATED TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

Case 17 Collision between motor bus and motorcycle 

Case 18 Collision between prime mover and motorcycle

To learn more click

Singapore Rising Renal Failure Cases

NKF urges people to go for kidney screening amid rising number of renal failure cases.

Singapore has one of the world's highest incidence of kidney failure, with about 6 new patients being diagnosed with kidney failure every day

More than 300,000 people here suffer from chronic kidney disease, but the organisation warned that there could be even more undetected cases. Around six people are diagnosed with kidney failure each day, a threefold increase from two decades ago. 

The increase in numbers “causes major concern", NKF chief executive officer Tim Oei said, adding that kidney disease numbers will increase proportionately with diabetes numbers.

IMPORTANCE OF SCREENING 

The organisation is urging more to come forward for screening, especially high-risk groups such as those with diabetes, amid a rise in renal failure cases and an ageing population. 

Screening can catch kidney disease at an early stage before the organ fails. 

The disease worsens progressively, with the kidney shrinking in size and losing its ability to filter out waste product from a patient’s blood. At the final stage, the patient would require lifetime dialysis or a kidney transplant. 

"Many times, people don't realise the signs and symptoms of renal failure until it is too late," said Mr Oei.

"And this is where they need to be educated, and awareness be made to them, that early detection will help arrest or even severely delay the consequence of end stage renal disease."

NKF also hopes to work with the government to make kidney checks a mainstay in the national screening programme, Screen for Life, he said. 

The programme’s emphasis is on hypertension and diabetes, and some cancers, said Mr Oei. 

"Renal (disease) is very close to diabetes and hypertension. If you are checking those two, it's just one more that you can do a test on, because it's connected to the other two major chronic illnesses," he said. 

In the meantime, NKF will work closely with hospitals and family physicians to raise awareness on kidney screening. 

DEALING WITH MORE CASES 

As the number of kidney failure patients here rises, existing dialysis premises are being upgraded to accommodate them.

Learn how you can prevent kidney failure through the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Outreach Programme click here

WSH Case Studies -Marine Industry

What is WSH Case Studies

WSH Case Studies is a free resources for various groups from management and safety professionals to supervisors and workers for improving WSH practices .

It offers insights to past  accidents that have taken place in Singapore. The case studies not only provide lessons learnt for the industry, but more importantly, they remind us to actively review our current practices and continually find ways to make our workplaces safer. Readers are encouraged to carefully think through each case, review its relevancy and context to specific workplace situations, and incorporate the lessons learnt where appropriate.

WSH Case Studies - Marine Industry

Every year, more than 300 injuries befall our workers in the marine industry. Some workers who are severely injured face long roads to recovery or suffer from permanent incapacity. Some may never return home to their loved ones. It is our belief that no one should be injured at work. Everyone should go home safely every day, free from harm.

The Committee, comprising of business leaders from the marine sector, has put in a lot of effort to safeguard the workers. Although we have reduced the number of fatalities over the years, such incidents still happen, and sadly, some of these incidents are very similar in nature. Hence, the lessons drawn from these incidents are key to us in preventing the next incident from recurring. That is why we have pooled together our WSH expertise from various companies to compile these case studies.

This booklet is divided into various sections according to incident type for easy reference. The underlying causes of these accidents are carefully examined through root cause analysis. Make full use of this compilation, to share these cases at your company’s training or toolbox meetings on a regular basis and undertake study through each case, review its relevancy and context to specific workplace situations, and incorporate the lessons learnt where appropriate. 

To learn more click

WSH Case Studies - Construction Industry

What is WSH Case Studies

WSH Case Studies is a free resources for various groups from management and safety professionals to supervisors and workers for improving WSH practices .

It offers insights to past  accidents that have taken place in Singapore. The case studies not only provide lessons learnt for the industry, but more importantly, they remind us to actively review our current practices and continually find ways to make our workplaces safer. Readers are encouraged to carefully think through each case, review its relevancy and context to specific workplace situations, and incorporate the lessons learnt where appropriate.

WSH Case Studies -  Construction Industry

This compilation of case studies on fatalities in the construction industry depicts how the accidents occurred and provides valuable learning points on how they could have been prevented.

1. Falls from Height

2. Worker Struck by Fall

3. Electrocution

4. Worker Struck by/against Objects/Machines

To learn more click 

WSH Case Studies - LPG Filling Fire Accident

What is WSH Case Studies

WSH Case Studies is a free resources for various groups from management and safety professionals to supervisors and workers for improving WSH practices .

It offers insights to past  accidents that have taken place in Singapore. The case studies not only provide lessons learnt for the industry, but more importantly, they remind us to actively review our current practices and continually find ways to make our workplaces safer. Readers are encouraged to carefully think through each case, review its relevancy and context to specific workplace situations, and incorporate the lessons learnt where appropriate.

WSH Case Studies -  LPG Filling Facility Fatal Fire Accident

Workplaces handling LPG and other flammable substances, are reminded to take heed of the learning points and implement effective risk control measures to prevent any similar recurrences.

In summary, the four learning points from the incident are:

1) Protect small-bore pipelines from accidental impact;

2) Provide a master shutdown button for safe and coordinated stoppage of gas filling;

3) Provide fire retardant clothing (FRC) to workers working with flammable substances; and

4) Plan and implement an effective emergency response.

To learn more click 

WSH Case Studies -Fatal Tower Crane Accident

What is WSH Case Studies

WSH Case Studies is a free resources for various groups from management and safety professionals to supervisors and workers for improving WSH practices .

It offers insights to past  accidents that have taken place in Singapore. The case studies not only provide lessons learnt for the industry, but more importantly, they remind us to actively review our current practices and continually find ways to make our workplaces safer. Readers are encouraged to carefully think through each case, review its relevancy and context to specific workplace situations, and incorporate the lessons learnt where appropriate.

WSH Case Studies - Fatal Accident Involving Failure of a Tower Crane

This case studies showcased Learning Report involving Failure of Luffing Jib Tower Crane at Kajima Overseas Asia (Singapore) Pte Ltd’s Worksite Located at Tan Tock Seng Link.In summary, the two key learning points from this incident are:

1) Eliminate Risk of Entanglement between Erection Ropes and other Structures; and

2) Ensure Erection Ropes return to their Resting Position.

To learn more click

WSH Case Studies -Wood Working

What is WSH Case Studies

WSH Case Studies is a free resources for various groups from management and safety professionals to supervisors and workers for improving WSH practices 

It offers insights to past  accidents that have taken place in Singapore. The case studies not only provide lessons learnt for the industry, but more importantly, they remind us to actively review our current practices and continually find ways to make our workplaces safer. Readers are encouraged to carefully think through each case, review its relevancy and context to specific workplace situations, and incorporate the lessons learnt where appropriate.

WSH Case Studies -Wood Working

This case studies showcased 3 workplace accident associated with fingers severed by both table saw and circular saw in the Wood Working Industry

To learn more click

WSH Case Studies -Chemical Industry

What is WSH Case Studies

WSH Case Studies is a free resources for various groups from management and safety professionals to supervisors and workers for improving WSH practices .It offers insights to past  accidents that have taken place in Singapore. The case studies not only provide lessons learnt for the industry, but more importantly, they remind us to actively review our current practices and continually find ways to make our workplaces safer. Readers are encouraged to carefully think through each case, review its relevancy and context to specific workplace situations, and incorporate the lessons learnt where appropriate.

Case Studies of Chemical Industry

Workplace safety and health (WSH) plays a key role in a chemical plant in achieving better productivity and good reputation. Hence, every chemical plant should be designed to be safe and easy to manage and operate. However, accidents can still occur due to other factors such as technical and engineering failures, human errors or management/procedural faults.

This booklet is divided into various sections according to type of incident for easy reference. The 5M (Mission, Man, Machine and Management, Medium) Model (see Appendix B) is used to analyse the contributing factors of each case. At the end of the booklet is a section on occupational health hazards. Unlike safety hazards, consequences posed by occupational health hazards may not be as obvious and immediate. Adverse health effects may be chronic in nature and can take a long time for the occupational disease to manifest. This section will show innovative approaches used in addressing exposure to occupational health hazards involving noise, ergonomics and chemicals. 

To learn more click

WSH Case Studies - Working At Heights Accidents

What is WSH Case Studies

WSH Case Studies is a free resources for various groups from management and safety professionals to supervisors and workers for improving WSH practices .WSH Case Studies is about sharing the lessons learnt from past workplace related accidents to help the industry learn from past accidents

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) works closely with the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council to share lessons learnt from past accidents with industry and safety professionals in various ways. One channel is the WSH Bulletin, a free electronic newsletter distributed about thrice weekly, which provides information on best practices and case studies of workplace accidents. Members of the public can subscribe to the WSH Bulletin at www.wshc.sg. Findings from investigations and enforcement operations are also shared at industry conferences and seminars.

Case Studies of Accidents Involving Working at Heights

Falls from Heights (FFH) continues to be the top contributor of all workplace fatal injuries every year. It is also one of the top contributors for workplace major injuries, accounting for about 14% of all incident types between 2012 and 2015.

There is a need to  address the high incidence of FFH through study of past incidents and learnt from past accidents to prevent re-occurrence.

Case Studies of Accidents Involving Working at Heights is the result of collective efforts of Ministry of Manpower and National WAH Safety Taskforce. Past concluded fatal accidents were compiled and categorised according to incident types for ease of reference. Through root cause analysis of these accidents, causes were examined and key learning points shared. The lessons and recommendations within will help you in implementing appropriate WSH measures at your workplaces to prevent work at heights injuries 

To download Case Studies of Accidents Involving Working at Heights click 

WSH Case Studies - Working In Around Water

What is WSH Case Studies

WSH Case Studies is a free resources for various groups from management and safety professionals to supervisors and workers for improving WSH practices .WSH Case Studies is about sharing the lessons learnt from past workplace related accidents to help the industry learn from past accidents

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) works closely with the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council to share lessons learnt from past accidents with industry and safety professionals in various ways. One channel is the WSH Bulletin, a free electronic newsletter distributed about thrice weekly, which provides information on best practices and case studies of workplace accidents. Members of the public can subscribe to the WSH Bulletin at www.wshc.sg. Findings from investigations and enforcement operations are also shared at industry conferences and seminars.

Case Studies Working In and Around Water

This case studies booklet aims to raise WSH awareness and reiterate the importance of strengthening WSH ownership at all levels. It was developed by the Ministry of Manpower and the WSH Council, with feedback solicited from members of the WSH Council (Marine Industries) Committee, National Maritime Safety at Sea Council, and the MPA-Harbour Craft Safety Working Group. The ten case studies include scenarios like transfer to and from vessels, transport via barges, mooring and diving operations. Each incident will be accompanied by lessons learnt and recommendations.

To download the case study click 

Safe Hands Campaign 2023

Join the Safe Hands Campaign 2023 

Pledge your commitment towards preventing hand and finger injuries through registering for the Safe Hands Campaign 2023. Take ownership of our safety and health and prevent amputations at the workplace.  

The Safe Hands Campaign 2023

The Manufacturing sector remains the second highest contributor to major injuries in Singapore, with machinery incidents being the top cause. Therefore, this year’s Safe Hands Campaign will focus on the Metalworking sector, which heavily relies on machinery as part of their daily operations, and is the one of the highest contributors to amputations within the Manufacturing sector. Companies need to remain vigilant and continue to do their part in preventing hand and finger injuries in the workplace. 

The Launch of The Safe Hands Campaign 2023 will be held at SLB, and will be streamed live on the Zoom platform. Register for the livestreaming session and pledge your commitment to take ownership of your safety and health at work, and preventing hand as well as finger injuries for your workers when you register for the Launch of The Safe Hands Campaign 2023. 

One SDU point will be awarded upon attendance of the event.

Fire Broke Out in Tuas South

SINGAPORE — A fire broke out in an industrial building along Tuas South Avenue 8 on Monday (March 13), with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) expecting an "extended firefighting operation".

The blaze spanned an area the size of about one-and-a-half football fields and involved solvents and flammable construction materials in a warehouse and the connecting production areas, including a six-storey production unit, said SCDF. 

A total of 26 emergency vehicles and about 80 personnel were deployed for this incident, SCDF added.

In a Facebook post, SCDF said that it was alerted to a fire at the location at 6.15pm and firefighting operations are ongoing.

At the time of firefighters' arrival, the fire was raging inside a warehouse that was connected to an industrial building. 

Two water jets and a ground monitor were deployed to the scene to put out the blaze, but by around 9pm, SCDF said in an update on Facebook that the fire was the size of about 1.5 football fields and firefighters were using eight water jets and an unmanned firefighting machine to put out the blaze.

Solvents and flammable construction materials were in the fire, SCDF added.

Two workers were earlier assessed by an SCDF paramedic for blisters on the hands and forehead. They refused to be taken to the hospital.

There were no other reported injuries.

To learn more about the fire accident click here

WSH Alert - Worker Dies Falling From Roof

 

Worker dies after falling from roof 

On 26 February 2023, a worker was preparing to carry out water-proofing works on the roof of a factory when he fell 4.1 metres to the ground. He was sent to the hospital but died of his injuries on 1 March 2023.  

Preliminary investigations revealed that a horizontal lifeline was installed on the roof, but the worker was not wearing a safety harness or a safety helmet at the time of the accident. 

Working on roofs exposes workers to the risk of falling from height. The WSH Council calls on all companies doing work at height to ensure worker safety and 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: 

• Fall Prevention Plan (FPP): Establish and implement a site-specific FPP to reduce the risk of falling from height when working on roofs.  

• 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.

• Safe Work Procedure (SWP): Develop a SWP for carrying out the task on the roof, taking into account the roof’s 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.  

• Open side guarding: Install temporary guardrails or erect a scaffold platform with guardrails, if feasible, to prevent workers from falling off a roof edge. 

• 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 fall-arrest or travel-restraint equipment along with secure anchor point(s) or lifeline.   

Note that the use of a standard lanyard with a shock absorber cannot be used if the fall clearance distance is too short to safely stop one’s fall before striking the ground. If the fall clearance distance is too short, the use of an immediate arrest self-retracting line is recommended. 

• Behavioural Observation and Intervention: Encourage workers to look out for one another and to stop risky behaviours before an accident occurs.  

For more information, refer to WSH (Work at Heights) Regulations 2013, WSH Council’s Code of Practice for Working Safely at Heights and WSH Guidelines for Working Safely on Roofs. Additional resources for work at height include WSH Guidelines on Anchorage, Lifelines and Temporary Edge Protection Systems, WSH Guidelines on Personal Protective Equipment for Work at Heights, and Case Studies: Accidents Involving Work at Heights. 

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 extended Heightened Safety Period (1 September 2022 to 31 May 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, and attend a mandatory half-day in-person WSH training course.

• Engaging external auditors to conduct a thorough review of company’s WSH processes.

Access to free work at height resources here for managers, supervisors, workers and safety professionals

FSM Briefing 2023

 
Harnessing Innovation and Technology for Fire Safety

The Fire Safety Managers’ Association Singapore (FSMAS) is instituted on 17 March 1989. Its objective is to promote continual development, excellence and professionalism in the arena of fire safety. FSMAS also works or partners with relevant Governmental Agencies in the development and enhancement of standards and programs relating to fire safety. 

Through briefings, seminars and workshops, FSMAS shares the latest professional development and technology, valuable information and applicable practices that will enhance Fire Safety Managers” (FSMs) professionalism. As part of this objective, FSMAS is organizing the FSM Briefing 2023 which is a significant event not to be missed and a great platform for FSMs to receive latest professional development and technology, valuable information and applicable practices. 

Online Registration and Online Payment: 

Online registration is solely and strictly at https://www.fsmas.org.sg/index.php/events?view=eventdetails&cid=96 and will open at 8.00am on 13 March 2023 and close at 11.59pm on 10 April 2023 and is on a first-comefirst-served-basis, subject to availability of seats and shall close when all seats are taken up. 

Participation fee payment is by local bank issued credit or debit card via PayPal. 

Fee Per Participant (No GST; FSMAS is not a GST Registered Entity): 

FSMAS Members $65.00 

Non-FSMAS Members $90.00 

Pre-requisites for FSM: 

SCDF will award 10 FSM-CPD points to FSM who

a. is registered in the e-FSM Portal and has furnished correct information in the online registration 

b. has attended entire duration of the event and attendance is confirmed by electronic signin before event starts and electronic sign-out at end of event 

FSM who fails to comply to above-mentioned will be deemed as absent and FSM-CPD points will not be awarded by the SCDF.

 Attendance Sign-in and Sign-out: Participant will sign-in attendance by scanning his bar code ID card via barcode reader before the event starts or latest by 2.30pm. 

Attendance sign-out is by scanning his bar code ID card via barcode reader and will start after the last speaker has completed his topic presentation.

Program Itinerary: 

1.30 pm All Participants to be seated 

1.50 pm Showing of Emergency Evacuation Video by venue provider 

1.55 pm Welcome Address - by Mr. Benedict Koh, BBM President Fire Safety Managers’ Association Singapore 

2.00 pm Key Note Address - by Guest of Honour SAC Ling Young Ern Deputy Commissioner (Future Technology & Public Safety) Singapore Civil Defence Force 

2.05 pm (20 Minutes) SCDF Annual Fire Statistics 2022 and Case studies on Recent Fire Incident - by CPT Ang Li Feng Fire Investigator Operations Department Singapore Civil Defence Force

2.25 pm (20 Minutes) Common Fire Safety Enforcement Findings - by CPT Ong Kok Ping Staff Officer Enforcement Fire Safety Department Singapore Civil Defence Force How FSMs Mitigate Fire Hazards within Premises - by Ms. Nurasyikin Amir Senior FSM Jewel Changi Airport 

2.45 pm (15 Minutes) Revised Fire Certificate Audit Inspection Regime - by LTA Muhammad Staff Officer Fire Safety Department Singapore Civil Defence Force 

3.00 pm Q and A Session (Part One) (20 Minutes) - Moderator LTC Eugene Png Senior Assistant Director, Enforcement Branch Fire Safety Department Singapore Civil Defence Force 

3.20 pm (30 Minutes) Break 

3.50 pm (15 Minutes) Utilising Internet of Things (IoT) to complement FSM duties - by Mr. George Wu Fire Certificate Inspection Officer Fire Safety Department Singapore Civil Defence Force 

4.05 pm (15 Minutes) Updates to FSMs - by MAJ Neo Jin Xiang Senior Staff Officer Fire Safety Department Singapore Civil Defence Force 

4. 20 pm (15 Minutes) Sharing by FSMs - by Mr. Jose Mari Atos Senior FSM, Marina Bay Sands - by Mr. Thulasidas Vasudevan FSM, Hotel JEN Singapore 

4.35 pm (25 Minutes) What FSMs Need to Do When Taking Over a Building (New/Old) - by Mr. Lim Shien Ming Fire Safety Managers’ Association Singapore Management Committee member 

5.00 pm (20 Minutes) Q and A Session (Part Two) - Moderator LTC Winson Cheung Senior Assistant Director, Fire Safety Management Branch Fire Safety Department Singapore Civil Defence Force 

5.20 pm End of briefing 

Please be informed that the organiser reserves the right to effect changes in the event program; including but not limited to, cancellation of presentations or replacing scheduled speakers due to unforeseen circumstances, without prior notice to the participant

SCDF MyResponder App Community Response

2,336 emergency cases attended to through SCDF’s community response app last year

SINGAPORE: Community heroes here responded to a total of 2,336 emergencies through the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s (SCDF) myResponder app last year.

Notably, more than 40 lives have been saved in cases attended through the community response app since it was launched in 2015, an SCDF spokesperson told CNA.

The app will be updated at the end of this year to include new features such as a wider alert range and a video call function, the spokesperson said.

An update to the myResponder app will widen the alert radius from 400m to a maximum of 1.5km, and let users choose to respond either on foot or vehicle.

SCDF myResponder app serves to notify the more than 130,000 registered community first responders of emergencies occurring within their vicinity so they can intervene swiftly.

These include cardiac arrests and minor fires happening within a 400m radius.

The “Call 995” button in the app also lets users send their location to the SCDF’s operations centre, so that emergency resources can be deployed to the scene more quickly.

THE GREATEST SATISFACTION

One such community first responder, 48-year-old Daniel Lim, helped to save a cardiac arrest victim in May last year.

The former security system analyst was out on a regular Sunday morning, when he received a notification on the app at about 11.15am, alerting him to a suspected cardiac arrest case nearby.

Using an automated external defibrillator (AED), Mr Lim helped to resuscitate the victim while waiting for the SCDF rescue team to arrive.

The victim, a man in his 50s, survived due to their collective efforts, and Mr Lim received a community award for playing his part.

"I think the greatest satisfaction is that I managed to bring hope and smiles to the affected family members,” he told CNA.

NEW FEATURES

To further improve the public’s emergency response capabilities, the SCDF will update the app with new features at the end of this year. 

Its Volunteer and Community Partnership Department’s director Wesley Lim said the force is working on “myResponder 2.0”, which will widen the alert radius from 400m to a maximum of 1.5km, and let users select their mode of response, either on foot or vehicle.

“In addition, a video call function will be added, so that the SCDF operations centre can have a live view of the situation, and if needed, provide live guidance on how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation),” he said.

“These enhancements to the myResponder application are targeted to roll out from end-2023.”

One fire safety expert said that even more features can be introduced to help community first responders who may fumble during an emergency.

Fire safety contractor Fiready’s general manager Mak Ka Weng suggested that one such feature could be an audio prompt for users to press a button on the app, which then activates step-by-step instructions on how to use a fire extinguisher or an AED.

Beyond the myResponder app, the Home Affairs Ministry has announced that it is planning to install a fire extinguisher at the ground floor of every two blocks of HDB flats.

The move will benefit 1.1 million HDB households over the next five years. 

Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim said in Parliament in September last year, that the extinguishers will be placed at lift lobbies and be maintained by the SCDF.

He added that the SCDF educates residents on the use of fire extinguishers through public engagement programmes.

Work at Heights Symposium 2023

Held on 21 February 2023, the Work at Heights Symposium 2023 highlighted best practices and emerging trends affecting the future of work at height.  Participants also learnt how to mitigate work at height risks through process improvement and technology adoption.

In his opening address, Mr Abu Bakar Mohd Nor, Chairman of the WSH Council (National Work at Heights Safety) Taskforce, shared on Singapore’s work at height performance. He expressed grave concern over falls from ladders and falls from roofs – the former having been consistently one of the top contributors to fatal falls over the years, and the latter having new cases last year when there were none from 2019 to 2021. 

Amongst the new initiatives announced by Mr Abu Bakar were the formation of a Ladder Safety Work Group to look into the safe use of ladders at workplaces, and the release of a new set of roof safety infokit to guide workers on working safely on roofs.

The Symposium also showcased various exhibits for participants to gain insights on good practices, such as the correct usage of portable ladders and tips for inspecting ladders. Other exhibits included virtual reality technology used in training for workers to better understand work at height safety, a display of roofing systems and work at height personal protective equipment, fall protection, and fall prevention systems. 

Find out more about work at height resources below:

1)Roof Safety Kit

2)Animated Video on Worker Falling Through Skylight

3)Work at height resources for Managers, Supervisors & WSHOs

4)Work at height resources for Workers