The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has taken a proactive stance in reducing workplace fatalities and accidents in Singapore by announcing the extension of the heightened safety period.
Announcing this on Friday (Feb 10), the MOM noted that the heightened safety period was introduced in September 2022 for six months to address the “concerning rise” in workplace fatalities’.
The extension is accompanied by higher penalties for workplace fatalities and accidents, a key step in holding employers accountable for the safety of their employees and ensuring that workplace safety is given the attention it deserves.
The heightened safety period, which was introduced in September 2022, will be extended by three months from Mar 1 until the end of May, with additional measures such as higher penalties for workplace safety breaches.
To enforce the heightened safety period, the MOM has introduced higher penalties for workplace fatalities and accidents. Companies in construction, manufacturing, transportation and storage, the marine and process industries, as well as those in other sectors that use heavy or industrial vehicles, are required to conduct a safety time-out to review risk assessments and improve site safety. The maximum fine for breaches of workplace safety and health (WSH) rules that could result in death or serious injury has been raised from SGD 20,000 to SGD 50,000.
Since the start of 2023, there have been four workplace fatalities. The latest incident reported was a worker who died earlier in February after several glass doors toppled onto him.
In addition, company leaders are required to take personal responsibility for WSH rectifications, with CEOs or board directors required to attend a half-day training course in person if the company is found to have WSH lapses following a serious or fatal workplace accident. These higher penalties aim to hold employers accountable for the safety of their employees and to ensure that workplace safety is given the attention it deserves.
This is on top of the current requirements where companies may be barred from employing new foreign workers for up to three months.
“We will continue to require company leaders to personally account to MOM and take responsibility for WSH rectifications.”
said MOM in a media release.
The aim of these higher penalties is to hold employers accountable for the safety of their employees and to ensure that workplace safety is given the attention it deserves. The penalties are also a deterrent for employers who may not be taking workplace safety seriously enough.
At CSG Software, we believe in promoting a culture of safety in the workplace. Our innovative safety solutions and services help companies in Singapore reduce the risk of workplace accidents and fatalities, and create a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.
Our WSH compliance software, Novade, allows companies to effectively and regularly review their systems for effectiveness and take immediate actions for non-compliance with safe work procedures. By digitalizing work processes with a comprehensive platform, Novade aims to improve the workflow productivity and, more importantly, the site safety. Customize safety forms & checklists in minutes or use existing templates to get started right away.
With the extension of the heightened safety period and the introduction of higher penalties by the MOM is a significant step towards promoting workplace safety in Singapore. As an industry expert, CSG Software is committed to supporting this effort and helping companies create a safer and healthier work environment for their employees.
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