MOM to conduct more workplace inspections, advises firms to call for voluntary safety timeout
MOM said there was a need for stronger ownership and accountability, following an increase in the number of workplace deaths in May from the previous year. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
MOM to conduct more workplace inspections, advises firms to call for voluntary safety timeout
SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will ramp up inspections in certain 'high-risk sectors' and is asking firms to carry out a voluntary safety timeout, after five workplace deaths were recorded in May.
The number of deaths was an increase from the t hree during the same period in 2024 , which showed the need for 'stronger ownership and accountability,' the ministry said in a Facebook post on June 11.
As a 'pre-emptive measure', it said it is calling on firms to conduct a voluntary safety timeout between June 12 and 26 , with an emphasis on vehicular safety, and work that takes place at height.
In doing so, MOM said that employers and workers can review safety procedures, reinforce controls and fix any problems identified, as well as solidify their commitment to safety .
It added that measures to lessen heat stress should also be put in place, as warmer weather is expected in June and July.
Besides the safety timeout, MOM also said it will increase its enforcement inspections by 25 per cent, focusing on high-risk sectors.
These include construction, manufacturing, marine, transportation and storage.
Workplaces found to have breached the rules can be issued a stop-work order or a fine, with some possibly facing prosecution under the Workplace Safety and Health Act.
The number of workplace deaths had climbed to 43 in 2024 after falling to 36 in 2023.
Vehicular incidents were the top cause of death, followed by suffocation or drowning, with the construction sector accounting for the most deaths, with 20 recorded.
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