MOM takes action against 558 Singapore companies for workplace safety lapses

These enforcement actions include 12 Stop Work Orders and 232 composition fines amounting to S$499,150.

Between 15 August and 17 October 2022, Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) conducted a nine-week enforcement operation aimed at reducing slips, trips, and falls (STF) at the workplace. STFs were the leading cause of major injuries in the first half of 2022.

Throughout the operation period, more than 750 inspections were conducted across the construction, manufacturing, transportation & storage, accommodation, and food services sectors. In total, MOM took 1,828 enforcement actions against 558 companies – including 12 Stop Work Orders and 232 composition fines amounting to S$499,150.

As shared in a Facebook post, MOM noted that some of the most common STF-related offences uncovered during inspections were:

• STF hazards were not identified during risk assessments, therefore, no corrective action was taken.
• Control measures were not implemented for poorly maintained flooring (e.g. missing floor tiles, wet surfaces), and poor housekeeping.
• Workers wore inadequate footwear, which did not protect enough against STF accidents.

Zaqy Mohamad, Senior Minister of State for Manpower commented: "The common contraventions of STF require attention to the safety of workers and very basic mitigations. There is no excuse for such ignorance. Not only does this show a lack of workplace safety and health culture, but a poor attitude to prioritise safety at the workplace.

"Often, firms that have poor attitudes have been found to have systemic lapses in safety measures. We will continue to take appropriate action for such contraventions."

The Minister further stressed that company leaders, supervisors, and workers "must never compromise on safety practices". "We have put everyone on notice, and we expect all parties to keep their eyes on the ball."

Photo / Shutterstock

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