MOM ups workplace safety measures after deaths

These measures will be in place until July 31 and will be extended if safety outcomes do not improve.

MOM said: “Employers are responsible for ensuring that adequate risk controls, safe work procedures and supervision arrangements are in place.

“Company leaders should regularly review workplace risks, ensure workplace safety requirements are adhered to, and foster a culture where workplace safety remains a priority across all levels of the organisation.”

Supervisors and workers also play an important role in identifying and addressing workplace risks early, and workers need to remain vigilant and quickly raise concerns if they come across unsafe situations or practices.

Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash, in a Facebook video clip, said workplace safety is a collective responsibility. It requires vigilance and accountability from management and supervisors to intervene before risks escalate into harm.

“No deadline, contract or business objective is worth risking lives,” he added.

Radin Mas MP Melvin Yong, who is NTUC assistant secretary-general, said he supported the call by MOM for a national safety timeout, as well as stronger enforcement and tougher penalties.

He added that the moves send a clear signal that safety must always come first.

Yong, who is a member of the Workplace Safety and Health Council, said: “This safety timeout should be a real opportunity for companies to pause and take a hard look at their work processes. Where are the risks? What can be done better? How to keep workers safe?”

At the same time, it is important to ensure workers feel safe to speak up when something is wrong, he added.

“Many accidents can be prevented if someone flags an issue early,” he said.