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DECEMBER 2015 02 RAISING STANDARDS IN CRANE SAFETY 07 INNOVATION BRINGS IMPROVEMENT TO SAFETY, HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY AT WORK 08 PREVENTING FALLS BY PAYING ATTENTION TO THE SMALL THINGS

IN CRANE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT TO BY PAYING ATTENTION … · The Council’s key thrusts are to build industry capabilities to better manage WSH, to promote safety and health at work,

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Page 1: IN CRANE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT TO BY PAYING ATTENTION … · The Council’s key thrusts are to build industry capabilities to better manage WSH, to promote safety and health at work,

DECEMBER 2015

02

RAISING STANDARDSIN CRANE SAFETY

07

INNOVATION BRINGSIMPROVEMENT TOSAFETY, HEALTH ANDPRODUCTIVITY AT WORK

08

PREVENTING FALLSBY PAYING ATTENTION TO THE SMALL THINGS

Page 2: IN CRANE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT TO BY PAYING ATTENTION … · The Council’s key thrusts are to build industry capabilities to better manage WSH, to promote safety and health at work,

RAISING STANDARDSIN CRANE SAFETY

In his opening address, Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Mr Sam Tan highlighted the importance of crane safety. He said, “Working safely with cranes is extremely important. When we deal with such heavy and big machines, we have to be extremely cautious.”

Among some of the examples and statistics he shared was the worrying increase in dangerous crane-related occurrences with 17 incidents in the first eight months of 2015. In comparison, there were 9 dangerous occurrences for the same period in 2014. Mr Tan also pointed out the catastrophic impact that crane accidents could have on the safety and health of workers and public, and the permanent effects accidents would have on workers’ quality of life and their families.

Mr Tan highlighted that close collaboration between Government and industry was necessary to tackle WSH hotspots. On this front, he introduced various joint initiatives between MOM, Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council and the National Crane Safety Taskforce to raise crane safety standards.

Held annually to raise awareness on crane safety, this year’s Crane Safety Symposium on 7 October saw more than 300 participants and industry stakeholders attending the event at Expo Max Atria.

The Workplace Safety and Health (WSH)Council was established on 1 April 2008 to raise the workplace safety and health standards in Singapore. The Council comprises 18 leaders from the major industry sectors, the Government, unions and professionals from the legal, insurance and academic fields. The Council’s key thrusts are to build industry capabilities to better manage WSH, to promote safety and health at work, to recognise companies with good WSH records and to set acceptable WSH practices. There are seven industry committees focusing on the areas of construction and landscaping, healthcare, logistics and transport, marine works, chemical, metalworking, manufacturing and hospitality and entertainment. Three functional committees have also been formed to identify, champion and implement initiatives in the areas of engagement and outreach, workplace health and industry capability building.

SHINE is a quarterly newsletter on workplace safety and health issues.

For contributions, feedback or more information, please e-mail

[email protected]

PublisherWorkplace Safety and Health Council

Address1500 Bendemeer Road,

#04-01 MOM Services CentreSingapore 339946

No part of this publication may be

reproduced or transmitted in any form or

by any means without the prior written

permission of the publisher.

STRATEGIC STRIDES2 STRATEGIC STRIDES 3

improving employability of crane operators

From 1 April 2016 onwards, crane operators will be required to go for earlier health checks starting from 50 years old. Those aged 70 years and above will have to undergo additional medical tests. The earlier health checks aim to improve the employability of crane operators by helping them to detect signs of ill health and manage medical conditions early. Taking earlier preventive measures also help to prevent future health risks and enable crane operators to remain in the profession for a longer time.

Mr Tan added that medical conditions can affect crane operators’ ability to perform work safely. Thus, having a system of regular checks to monitor their health will ensure that they are healthy and fit for work and in turn, contribute to a safer working environment.

raising competency of mini crane operators

In addition, mini crane operators will be required to attend a specialised training course on mini cranes recognised by the Commissioner for WSH. Mini cranes refer to mobile cranes with a safe working load not exceeding five tonnes. The training course aims to raise the competency of mini crane operators and ensure that they are able to operate mini cranes in a safer and more efficient manner. The course will be available in the first quarter of 2016. With the training, mini crane operators will no longer need to obtain a license from MOM from 1 January 2016.

setting up a registry of Cranes Operations resources database (ireCOrds)

Mr Tan also shared that the Singapore Crane Association, with the support of WSH Council, MOM and SPRING Singapore, will set up a database of crane operators called “iReCORDS” to track crane operators’ experience and safety track record by mid-2016. With the database, employers will be able to select the candidate most suitable to operate a similar tonnage of crane based on his experience and training received. Crane operators will also be able to tap on this platform to showcase their experience, relevant skills and good records to potential employers.

After sharing with participants some of the existing and upcoming WSH initiatives for the crane industry, Mr Tan underlined the need for firm commitment and collective action from all parties, to bring these plans to fruition. In closing, Mr Tan called on the industry to work together and play an active role in safeguarding the safety, health and wellbeing of ourselves and those of our workers.

For more information on the Crane safety symposium 2015, visit www.wshc.sg/newsroom

A mini crane on display at Crane Safety Symposium 2015.

Participants at the Crane Safety Symposium 2015.

Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Manpower, Mr Sam Tan (right) viewing a crane exhibit at the Crane Safety Symposium 2015.

Page 3: IN CRANE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT TO BY PAYING ATTENTION … · The Council’s key thrusts are to build industry capabilities to better manage WSH, to promote safety and health at work,

Cancellation of Accreditation Status of Five Training Providers

STRATEGIC STRIDES4

In closing, Mr Lim reiterated that strong commitment and alignment of efforts by industry and Government are necessary to achieve the collective target of 1.8, and transform the construction process into an easier, safer and smarter process for workers.

For more information on the Construction Wsh leadership summit 2015, visit www.wshc.sg/newsroom

EVENTS 5

A Collective Re-commitment to Reduce Construction Fatality Rate

To reduce construction workplace fatality rate from 5.5 in 2014 to less than 1.8 by 2018 would require at least 25% reduction each year for the next three years. Minister for Manpower, Mr Lim Swee Say, highlighted that this improvement can only be achieved if everyone strives for Vision Zero.

“To me, Vision Zero simply means that ‘Together, every life lost could have been saved’”, he added. At the event, Mr Lim shared that the industry has put together a series of action plans to improve WSH outcomes in the construction sector. These plans focus on six areas in a construction project such as leadership, procurement, Design for Safety (DfS), training, WSH culture and WSH practices.

Mr Lim also highlighted the Government’s support of these action plans by the initiatives developed in close collaboration with the industry. The first of these initiatives is the DfS Regulations under the WSH Act that come into effect in August 2016. Mandatory for projects with a contract value of S$10 million and above, the Regulations will outline the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in a construction project.

To support the implementation of DfS, MOM will work with the industry to train 1,000 DfS professionals by 2018 and review existing courses. Next, to encourage a change in work systems and processes, MOM will pilot the Developer and Designer Early Engagement (D2E2) programme. The programme involves engaging developers and designers of construction projects early on in the project to identify WSH risks and set WSH performance targets.

On 7 July 2015, the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council and Ministry of Manpower (MOM) organised the Construction WSH Leadership Summit held at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. The event drew more than 300 stakeholders from the construction sector. With the theme “Vision Zero—Together, Delivering Excellence in WSH for the Built Environment”, the event saw 10 association leaders reaffirming their associations’ commitment to reduce construction workplace fatality rate to less than 1.8 per 100,000 workers by 2018.

Minister for Manpower, Mr Lim Swee Say, giving the opening address.

A video highlighting the action plans to improve WSH outcomes in construction.

Association leaders pledging their commitment to Vision Zero.

In June 2015, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) cancelled the Accredited Training Provider (ATP) status of five training providers for training and assessment malpractices.

With the motto “A Global Vision of Prevention”, the Congress will focus on three main topics:Topic 1: Vision Zero – From Vision to RealityTopic 2: Healthy Work – Healthy LifeTopic 3: People-centred PreventionvJoin us for the XXI World Congress on 3 to 6 September 2017 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore!

For more information, visit www.safety2017singapore.com or email [email protected]

Register your interest for the XXI World Congress on Safety and Health at Work 2017!Organised every three years by the International Labour Organization, International Social Security Association and the Occupational Health and Safety institution of the host country, the Congress aims to promote the importance of workplace safety and health through the exchange of knowledge and experiences.

For the first time, the 21st run of the World Congress will be held in Southeast Asia and hosted by the Occupational Safety and Health Division, Singapore Ministry of Manpower.

With information received from public and MOM’s regular audits, MOM investigated five training providers for alleged violation of ATP Terms and Conditions. The training providers investigated were: • Work Safe Academy Pte Ltd;• Propel Consultants Pte Ltd;• Regent Global Consultants Pte Ltd;• Bright Training Centre Pte Ltd; and• Ark HSE Management Solutions Pte Ltd.

MOM’s investigations found that these training providers failed to conduct workplace safety and health (WSH) courses according to stipulated course durations and ensure trainees’ language proficiency for the courses. They also failed to uphold proper examination procedures.

As a result, the accreditation statuses of all five training providers were cancelled. They are no longer allowed to

For the full list of ATPs, visit the MOM website at www.mom.gov.sg/workplace-safety-and-health/wsh-service-providers

To report poor training practices of ATPs, visit www.mom.gov.sg/contact-us

importantThe MOM ATP scheme accredits training providers to conduct WSH courses on the behalf of MOM. Unaccredited MOM training providers are not allowed to conduct MOM-accredited courses. Since 2010, MOM has cancelled the accreditation status of 11 training providers for similar violations.

conduct MOM-accredited courses. In addition, the directors of these training providers will not be allowed to apply as an ATP director, principal and/or trainer with MOM for two years from the date of cancellation.

Image shown is for illustration purposes only.

Page 4: IN CRANE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT TO BY PAYING ATTENTION … · The Council’s key thrusts are to build industry capabilities to better manage WSH, to promote safety and health at work,

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Hawazi Daipi (centre), with recipients of the WSH Performance (Silver) Awards.

A tap dance performance by Dance Thrilogy.

6

Wsh AWArds 2015honouring the best in Wsh191 recipients from over 80 companies were recognised for their achievements in workplace safety and health (WSH) at the prestigious WSH Awards ceremony on 29 July 2015. It was an evening of excitement as over 1,200 industry leaders and WSH professionals from various sectors turned up to support the event held at Resorts World Sentosa. From developers to supervisors, the Award recipients collectively ensured that more than 84,000 of their workers went home safely in 2014.

Two WSH Innovation Award 2015 recipients, Sembcorp Marine Tuas Boulevard Yard and ST Aerospace Services Co share their challenges at work and how they overcome them with innovative WSH solutions.

Minister for Manpower, Mr Lim Swee Say, giving the opening address.

EVENTS

WSH Council Chairman, Mr Lee Tzu Yang, welcomed the attendees and reminded all on their objectives for working, and what they needed to do to achieve their dreams and aspirations. The theme, “Dreams” is also reflected in the joint Annual Report for FY2014/15 by the WSH Council and WSH Institute. Through stories shared by seven individuals in the annual report, readers are reminded that no matter what a person does, everyone has a dream that inspires or motivates them to go to work every day. When readers keep their workplaces safe and healthy, not only are they protecting lives, they are also protecting their workers’ and co-workers’ dreams.

Minister for Manpower, Mr Lim Swee Say, also highlighted the progress of Singapore’s WSH performance at the ceremony. When the WSH Awards was first organised in 2006, Singapore’s workplace fatality rate was 3.1 per 100,000 employed persons. While it has since dropped to 1.8 in 2014, Mr Lim challenged the industry to do better and focus on prevention through the Vision Zero movement. He encouraged organisations to come up with innovative solutions to prevent injuries and illnesses. He said, “A key to Vision Zero is innovation. If we can innovate to remove risks right from the start, then there will be fewer lives injured or lost down the road.”

He added that injured workers must be provided with the necessary care and support. In this aspect, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will

increase the compensation limits for death and permanent incapacity by about 20%. The maximum amount of medical expenses claimable will be raised from $30,000 to $36,000. Expenses that facilitate return to work such as occupational therapy and case management will also be claimable under the Work Injury Compensation Act. These changes will take effect from 1 January 2016.

WSH Awards were presented throughout the evening for WSH achievements in six categories—Innovation, Performance, Risk Management, Supervisor, Developer and Projects. This year, Keppel Group clinched the highest number of awards at 35.

The night ended with a rousing performance from “Asia’s Got Talent” finalist—Dance Thrilogy. The group of young dancers between ages of 9 and 12 clapped and tapped their way into the hearts of the audience.

Organised by the WSH Council and MOM with support from the WSH Institute, the annual WSH Awards recognise organisations and individuals who have contributed to achieving excellence in WSH. This year, the WSH Awards highlighted the best innovations across all industries, with sharing of ideas through innovative panels, videos and a commemorative book.

7EVENTS

Innovation brings Improvement to Safety, Health and Productivity at Work

learn how other companies have brought forward their best ideas to improve safety, health and productivity at work by downloading the WSH Awards 2015 commemorative book at www.wshc.sg/wshawards

Wheeled platform eliminates slips, trips and falls hazards

ST Aerospace Services Co (SASCO) specialises in heavy airframe maintenance and aircraft modification. A key project that SASCO is undertaking is the modification of a Boeing 767 aircraft from a passenger plane to a cargo plane. This project requires the team to replace the existing floor grid to a sturdier version suited for cargo loads.

To install the new floor grid—weighing approximately 500kg—in the aircraft, it first had to be hoisted into the aircraft cabin. About 20 workers will then carry and manoeuvre the floor grid from the front of the aircraft to the rear. This practice exposes workers to various WSH hazards such as slips, trips and falls due to the uneven surface. The heavy load of the floor grid also puts workers at risk of ergonomic injuries.

solution

The “Floor Grid Transportation” is a wheeled platform that allows the project team to transport the floor grids easily within the Boeing 767 aircraft. With this innovation, WSH hazards are reduced. Productivity has also increased, as it now requires only two workers and 20 minutes to transport the floor grid, instead of the 20 workers and 60 minutes needed previously.

eliminating risks of work at heights through modification of existing equipment

At the Sembcorp Marine Tuas Boulevard Yard, marine vessels are grit-blasted as they enter the dry dock. Grit-blasting is a process where grit and other abrasive materials are blown out through compressed air to remove dirt, rust and scale on the vessels.

The grit is stored in a structure called a hopper, from which it is channelled to the blasting pot during the grit-blasting process. Refilling the hopper with grit requires a worker to climb to the top of the 5m high hopper. Once up there, the worker must position a skid, which is filled with grit and hoisted by a crane, towards the opening of the hopper. He then manually opens the cover of the hopper and operates a lever on the skid to unload the grit into the hopper.

This refilling process is time-consuming and puts the worker at risk of potential workplace safety and health (WSH) hazards. Apart from possibly getting struck by the skid during refilling, the worker may also fall to the ground due to the absence of guard rails on the hopper.

solution

To eliminate WSH risks and improve productivity, the project team came up with a solution called the “OSTIUM”, which involves modifying the top cover of the hopper. The “OSTIUM” removes the need for a worker to climb to the top of the hopper. With the installation of pre-positioned angle bars, the worker can now simply direct the crane operator to align the skid with the hopper’s hatch opening. He then operates valves at ground level to open the hopper’s hatch cover, and works the lever on the skid to unload the grit. Compared to the former labour-intensive and hazardous process, workers are now more confident in working safely from the ground.

Page 5: IN CRANE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT TO BY PAYING ATTENTION … · The Council’s key thrusts are to build industry capabilities to better manage WSH, to promote safety and health at work,

Launched in mid-October 2015, the eight weeks long enforcement operation “Operation Cormorant” has inspected more than 300 workplaces so far.

Preventing slips, trips and falls

Another major contributor to workplace accidents is slips, trips and falls (STFs), which are prevalent across sectors such as metalworking, wholesale trade, and logistics and transport sectors. STFs was the top contributor of major and minor injuries, and resulted in four fatalities in 2014. It continued to be the leading cause of major and minor injuries in the first half of 2015.

Mr Tan reiterated the need to do more to raise awareness on STFs and help companies manage these risks. He then shared that the Slips and Trips Evaluation Programme was rolled out in June 2015 with these objectives in mind. Targeted at small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the programme aims to build capability in SMEs to identify and reduce the risks of STFs. Since its launch, 200 employers have participated in the pilot programme.

increasing awareness of falls

With the launch of the campaign, the event programme included three breakout sessions focusing on fall preventive measures relevant to various sectors. These sessions featured live demonstrations and interaction with subject matter experts. Mr Tan also encouraged all to keep a lookout for campaign materials on various media platforms and urge all to do their part to prevent falls.

For more information on the Falls Prevention Campaign 2015, visit www.wshc.sg/fallscampaign

8 EVENTS 9EVENTS

Submissions for the WSH Song Writing Competition have closed and three songs have been shortlisted by a panel of judges.Music video productions are also underway for the shortlisted songs.

Stay tuned for the release of the music videos!

Meanwhile, check out our promotional music video for the WSH Song Writing Competition featuring Jack and Rai at www.wshsongwritingcompetition.com

The Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council organised a series of roving performances on 18 September 2015 to promote the WSH Song Writing Competition. Popular singing duo, ShiLi and Adi, performed their rendition of the WSH promotional song, “Safe and Sound”, in various locations around Singapore. Their roving performance started with entertaining the lunchtime crowd at China Square before heading on to Ang Mo Kio Hub, U-Town at the National University of Singapore and Tampines Mall. The day ended at The Leo—a foreign workers’ dormitory located at Kaki Bukit. ShiLi and Adi’s performance was a treat for the enthusiastic crowd and passersby, while fans were delighted to snap pictures with their favourite singing duo. ShiLi and Adi getting ready for their roving performance.

ShiLi and Adi interacting with the audience. ShiLi and Adi performing at The Leo.

Preventing Falls by Paying Attention to the Small Things In conjunction with the annual National Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Campaign, the WSH Council launched a campaign focused on preventing falls at work during the festive season.

At the Falls Prevention Campaign on 26 November 2015, Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Mr Sam Tan launched the campaign with a simple yet important message of how everyone has a responsibility and a role to play in making the workplace safe.

Mr Tan noted that some employers are not taking the National WSH Campaign 2015 message, “I can prevent all injuries and be healthy at work” seriously, as the number of workplace fatalities and injuries are higher this year. With the festive season around the corner, there is a tendency for people to rush to finish work and overlook WSH. Mr Tan thus re-emphasised the importance of prevention, especially during the festive season when people tend to let their guard down.

To remind all that “Small things cause big problems”, the Falls Prevention Campaign aims to highlight the importance of paying attention to the small things at work before they lead to bigger problems. For example, overlooking seemingly minor issues such as spilled water or not returning items back to their rightful place could lead to workers slipping on a wet floor or tripping over tools left behind on the floor. Mr Tan pointed out that such accidents could be easily prevented if people pay attention to the small things.

educating employers on falls prevention and enforcing Wsh regulations

Mr Tan also raised his concerns about falls (i.e., falls from heights and slips, trips and falls) remaining a major cause of workplace accidents. There are 16 fatalities and 87 major injuries to date this year due to falls from heights, as compared to 10 fatalities and 88 major injuries for the whole of 2014.

Besides educating industry on work at heights issues, MOM will conduct 500 spot checks on companies and strict action will be taken against those who breach the WSH regulations.

Minister of State, Prime Minister’s office and Ministry of Manpower, Mr Sam Tan giving the opening address

don’t let small problems become big ones.

Check out our latest webisode on why you should pay attention to the little things to prevent slips, trips and falls. http://bit.ly/1svTKte

Page 6: IN CRANE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT TO BY PAYING ATTENTION … · The Council’s key thrusts are to build industry capabilities to better manage WSH, to promote safety and health at work,

10 CASE FILES

Case #1

Case #2

Employer fined for failure to ensure safety of workers.On the day of the accident, the deceased and his co-workers were tasked to drive reinforced concrete piles into the ground. As part of the work process, a dolly was used to drive the pile further into the ground. (A dolly is a piece of metal block used as an extension between the pile head and the hammer that transfers the blow to the pile head. It is hoisted out of the ground after the pile had been driven to the required depth).

After the task was completed, the deceased signalled to the pile rig operator to retract the dolly out of the ground. The deceased then walked towards the right side of the pilling rig. However, during the dolly extraction, the pile helmet was lifted too high and the dolly became dislodged from the pile helmet. As the piling rig operator continued to lift the dolly in its misaligned

Employer fined for failure to ensure safety of workers.Investigations revealed that the accused had constructed a mezzanine platform for storing work materials such as canvas and lightings (see Figure 1). It was constructed by placing three plywood planks on a supporting base structure secured across two existing steel racks. Two of the planks were bolted onto the supporting base structure while the third plank was placed over an opening on the platform. The deceased fell to the ground after stepping on the plank that was placed over the opening.

The accused failed to ensure that plywood planks used to construct the platform were safe for use. Instead, the plank that broke had existing structural flaws (i.e., fractured area and developing cracks) due to previous overloading conditions. This caused the plank to break when the deceased stepped

position, the dolly hit against the pile helmet. This caused the dolly to swing and hit the deceased.

Investigations revealed that the accused failed to develop a method statement for the extraction of a dolly from the ground. Establishing a detailed method statement would have helped to guide workers in extracting the dolly safely. The accused also failed to address risks of the dolly dislodging. They did not develop safe work procedures for dolly extraction even though there were previous incidents of the dolly being dislodged during extraction. The accused should have cordoned off work areas and ensured that workers are kept clear of the piling zone during piling activities, including the extraction of the dolly.

For failing to ensure the safety of its workers, the accused was fined $80,000 under the Workplace Safety and Health Act.

on it. An unsafe platform exposed workers to risks of falling from heights. Workers also had to climb over a staircase railing (see Figure 2) to gain access to the platform, thus putting them at risk of tripping.

The accused should have engaged a competent contractor to construct the mezzanine platform with safe access and egress points. A competent contractor would have ensured safe construction of the platform by using materials that can withstand the weight of workers and work equipment.

For failing to provide a safe work environment for his workers, the accused was fined $50,000 under the Workplace Safety and Health Act.

Case brief: On 11 January 2012, a worker fell 3.1m to the ground after part of the mezzanine platform he was on broke.

The accused: Proprietor of Xing Long Canvas Steel Tent & Engineering Services

WORKER HIT BY DISLODGED DOLLY

WORKER FELL THROUGH PLATFORM

Figure 1: Overview of mezzanine platform.

Figure 2: Railing of staircase and platform.

Case brief: On 15 July 2013, a group of workers were extracting a dolly from the ground after a piling operation, when the dolly pile suddenly swung and struck the deceased.

The accused: CS Construction & Geotechnic Pte Ltd

Figure 1: Overview of piling operation.

11WHAT’S NEW

Changes to the Work injury Compensation Act

To provide injured workers with the necessary care and support, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will increase the maximum and minimum compensation limits for death and total permanent incapacity under the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA). The cap on medical expenses will also be raised from $30,000 to $36,000.

limits ExistingFor accidents that happened on and after 1 Jan 2016

DeathMinimum $57,000 $69,000

Maximum $170,000 $204,000

Total permanentincapacity*

Minimum $73,000 $88,000

Maximum $218,000 $262,000

Medical expenses

Up to $30,000 or 1 year from

date of accident, whichever is reached first.

Up to $36,000 or 1 year from date of accident, whichever is reached

first.

*This excludes the additional 25% compensation that is paid to workers with total permanent incapacity to offset the cost of care for the injured worker.

Treatments that facilitate return to work will also be claimable as part of WICA medical expenses. This would cover charges for case management, functional capacity evaluation and worksite assessment for purposes of rehabilitating an injured employee back to work. These changes will come into operation on 1 January 2016.

For more information on the Work injury Compensation Act (Amendment of Third schedule) Order 2015, visit the Singapore Statutes online at statutes.agc.gov.sg

health checks and specialised training course to enhance employability and competency of crane operators

From 1 April 2016, crane operators will be required to go for earlier health checks starting from 50 years old, while those aged 70 years old and above will have to take two additional tests in the examination—abbreviated mental test1 and occupational therapist assessment.

Age (Years) health checks Occupational therapist assessment

Below 50 No No

50—64 Every 2 years No

65 —69 Every year No

70 and above Every year Yes

The earlier health checks will enable crane operators to identify early signs of ill health and manage the conditions early. This also helps to prevent future health risks and crane operators can remain in the profession longer. Having systematic, regular checks are beneficial for crane operators in the long term to ensure they are healthy and fit for work. In turn, this contributes to a safer working environment.

Mini crane2 operators will be required to attend a specialised training course that is recognised by the Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health. The course will enable mini crane operators to improve their competency in operating mini cranes safely and efficiently. It will be available in the first quarter of 2016. With the training, mini crane operators do not need a license from MOM from 1 January 2016.

1 An abbreviated mental test is a screening tool comprising a series of questions to evaluate short-term and long-term memory loss.

2 A mini crane is a mobile crane with a safe working load not exceeding five tonnes.

For more information on the initiatives, visit www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases

Wsh Guidelines for Tent-related Works

This publication specifies the recommended practices for tent-related works such as warehouse storage, transportation of materials, erecting and dismantling of tent structures and handling of electrical installations. Use this publication to guide you in carrying out tent-related works for traditional and engineered tents safely.

Publications NewThe Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council recently issued the following two publications. To view the publications in full, visit www.wshc.sg/resources

revised Wsh Guidelines for healthcare

Developed in 2008, this set of guidelines has been revised in July 2015 to provide guidance on the proper management of WSH risks in healthcare facilities. This publication highlights common hazards faced by healthcare employees and good practices to prevent and control these hazards. It is applicable for public healthcare clusters, private and community hospitals, private general practitioner clinics, nursing homes, traditional Chinese medicine clinics and veterinary clinics.

latest Wsh initiatives

Page 7: IN CRANE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT TO BY PAYING ATTENTION … · The Council’s key thrusts are to build industry capabilities to better manage WSH, to promote safety and health at work,

WSHC.SG/FALLSCAMPAIGN

Seemingly small things such as leaving your work tools lying around can cause trips and falls. So, always remember to practise good housekeeping.

DON’T FALL FOR IT!