01 Sep 2020
Speeches
Opening Remarks by Mr Dave Ng
Co-Chairman of the WSH Council (Logistics and Transport) Committee
at the WSH e-Forum for L&T Sector 2020 on 1 September 2020, 9.00am
Members of the WSH Council (Logistics and Transport) Committee, industry representatives,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. I would like to thank you all for taking time to join me in this inaugural WSH e-Forum for L&T Sector, organised by the Workplace Safety and Health Council.
Impact of COVID-19 on L&T Sector
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions to many businesses over the last few months. Although logistics and transport are considered essential services and had remained open during the circuit breaker period, many of us are still severely impacted by the tighter regulations and border controls.
As we navigate through this difficult period together, we must continue to do our best to protect our workers by upholding safety and health at the workplace.
The importance of WSH
Over the next few months, we will expect more work and business operations to resume after a long break and workers may take some time to adjust back to their usual work routines. I urge every employer to make the extra effort to conduct safety briefings or refresher courses to remind workers of the importance of good WSH practices. Many training materials and collaterals are available on the WSH Council’s website to assist you so do make good use of them.
Also, I am excited to share that the WSH Council will be e-launching the Slips Trips and Falls Campaign for Heavy Vehicle Drivers next Tuesday, 8 September. The Council has produced a sticker to remind heavy vehicle drivers of the importance of WSH when getting
into and out of their heavy vehicle cabins. I would like to take this opportunity to thank CST Container Services Pte Ltd, MES Group Holdings Pte Ltd and Sin Chew Woodpaq Pte Ltd for their support in the creation of the publicity and awareness-building video specially prepared for the e-launch. You will be the first to see the video in advance today.
Leveraging Technology
Next, I am pleased to share that MOM has worked with ESG and IMDA to incorporate fleet safety management solutions in the refreshed Logistics Industry Digital Plan. SMEs will be able to tap on the government’s Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) for funding support in the adoption of these solutions. As vehicular incidents have been among the top concerns for workplace injuries in recent years, I urge companies to tap on the grant and support available to digitalise their business and in turn, improve the WSH landscape for the L&T industry. Do keep a lookout for these solutions as they are being listed on GoBusiness Gov Assist in the next couple of months.
While the pandemic has prompted all of us to turn to technology to sustain our businesses, let’s not forget that technology can also help to enhance workers’ safety and health at the workplace.
WSH Innovation Awards for L&T Sector
Last but not least, allow me to make special mention of the recently concluded judging session for the WSH Innovation Awards 2020 for Logistics and Transport Sector, organised by Singapore Logistics Association. We have a total of 16 submissions this year, twice the number last year, and we will be recognising the companies and project teams at this eforum later. I thank the industry for its unwavering support towards WSH.
Conclusion
2020 has not been an easy year for all of us, and the challenges may continue for a while. But let us continue to work together and remember to take time to take care of our workers’ safety and health. Thank you.