30 Nov 2022
Announcements
1) Fatal and major injuries fell in the third quarter of 2022 (3Q 2022) compared to previous quarter.
• There were fewer fatal and major injuries in 3Q 2022 compared to the preceding quarter (Q2 2022). The annualised rates similarly fell for both fatal and major injuries in the same period.
• The recent improvement in fatal and major injuries trends followed from earlier announcements on stiffer penalties (since 14 Jun 2022) and Heightened Safety Period (HSP) (from 1 Sep 2022 – 28 Feb 2023). However, more vigilance is required to ensure that improvements are sustained in the coming months.
• Minor injuries saw slight increase in 3Q 2022 compared to previous quarter but remained comparable to the same period last year (3Q 2021).
• Occupational diseases (OD) rose in 3Q 2022 compared to preceding quarters led by increased reporting of Noise-induced Deafness (NIDs) following heightened enforcement and engagement of the industry in 2022.
• With the end of year festive season coming, we urge the industry and workers to remain vigilant and follow safe work procedures.
• We would like to remind employers to continue to prioritise workplace safety and health (WSH) so that we have a safe and healthy end to 2022.
2) Construction & Manufacturing remained as top sectors with the most fatal and major injuries.
• In 3Q 2022, Construction remained the top contributing sector with a total of 36 fatal and major injuries, fewer than the preceding quarters in 2022.
• Manufacturing contributed 25 fatal and major injuries, comparable to numbers (26 fatal & major injuries) in the previous quarter.
• In Sep 2022, MOM launched the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) on Chief Executives’ and Board of Directors’ WSH Duties. It provides guidance on the actions that senior management should take, to fulfil their workplace safety and health duties.
• Upcoming events targeted for both sectors include:
i. For Construction, WSH Symposium on Cranes on 16 Jan 2023 and Work At Height Symposium on 21 Feb 2023; &
ii. For Manufacturing, Safe Hands Campaign, which aims to create awareness of hand injuries and machinery safety. This will be held in Mar 2023 at a metalworking company.
3) Slips, Trips & Falls (STF) remained the top cause for major injuries, while Vehicular Incidents remained the top cause of fatal injuries in 3Q 2022.
a) Addressing STFs
• Close to one-third (31%) of major injuries that occurred in 3Q 2022 involved STFs.
• MOM recently concluded Operation Penguin focusing on STF safety. More than 750 inspections were conducted at workplaces across Construction, Manufacturing and Transportation & Storage and Accommodation & Food Services sectors and 1,828 enforcement actions were taken against 558 companies, including 12 Stop Work Orders and 232 composition fines. Top contraventions included,
i. Inadequate risk assessment (e.g. STF hazards not identified);
ii. Control measures not implemented (flooring with wet surfaces, missing tiles, etc. not maintained);
iii. Poor housekeeping; &
iv. Inadequate protective equipment (footwear) for workers.
• WSHC recently concluded WSH Forum for Facilities Management (FM) industry and WSH Tech Showcase for FM on 17 Nov 2022. The event highlighted STF and vehicular incidents in FM and showcased relevant WSH technology solutions to improve WSH at the workplaces.
b) Addressing Vehicular Incidents
• More than half (56%) of the fatalities that occurred in 3Q 2022 came from vehicular incidents.
• MOM launched Operation Roadrunner from Oct-Dec 2022 focusing on vehicular safety in higher risk firms from Transport & Storage, Manufacturing and Construction sectors. The operation is ongoing.
• WSHC held a Learning Journey on 4 Nov 2022 to promote the adoption of vehicular safety technology and launched the Drive Safe, Work Safe Campaign, encouraging employers and drivers/operators to play their part in ensuring vehicular safety. A series of 10 gifs and images on vehicular safety were produced for easy dissemination to workers via messaging platforms. In addition, 8,000 decals to remind drivers on safe driving were distributed through 3 major ports and trade associations
• The latest resources on STF prevention and Vehicular safety can be assessed from the WSH Council website.
Download the WSH National Infographic Report.