MOM takes action against 558 Singapore companies and issues almost half million in fines!
Ministry of Manpower has been ramping up the inspections and the enforcement actions against companies who do not adhere to Workplace Safety and Health Act or the regulations. These Ministry of Manpower Safety enforcement actions include 12 Stop Work Orders and 232 composition fines amounting to S$499,150.
In just less than 2 months between 15 August and 17 Oct 2022, Singapore MOM Ministry of Manpower had conducted its 9 week enforcement operations to reduce slips, trips and falls at workplaces. Slips, trips and falls were the leading cause of major injuries in the first half of 2022. In the 9 week enforcement operations Ministry of Manpower had done more than 750 inspections across the construction, manufacturing, transportation & storage, accommodation, and food services sectors. In all Ministry of Manpower safety department MOM took 1,828 enforcement actions against 558 companies – including 12 Stop Work Orders and 232 composition fines amounting to S$499,150.
As mentioned by Ministry of Manpower MOM some of the most common Slips, Trips and Falls related offences uncovered during inspections were:
- Slips, Trips and Fall hazards were not identified during risk assessments, therefore, no corrective action was taken.
- Control measures for Slips, Trips and Falls 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 Slips, Trips and Fall accidents.
The Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad said "The common contraventions of Slips, Trips and Falls 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 Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad 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."
If you want we can help your company train staff to identify potential Slip, Trip and Fall issues. We work with our partners using the Winning Hearts and Minds approach and the Working Safely Modules.
