The Ministry of Manpower (MoM), Singapore, has imposed fines and even issued stop-work notices to 435 establishments that were found to have violated workplace safety norms.
The non-compliance issues were reported post two months of inspection and investigations focusing on workplace accidents / mishaps including slips, trips and falls (STF) undertaken during the period 26 June to 25 August.
Over 700 inspections were conducted across the construction, manufacturing, transportation and storage, wholesale and retail trade and services space. A total of 1,491 enforcement actions were taken, including three stop-work notices and 89 composition fines worth $186,050.
These establishments were penalized for overlooking safety measures, inadequate housekeeping practices, ill-maintained floors, inappropriate footwear or safety gear and failure to adhere to anti-STF measures.
Workers are encouraged to report unsafe workplace conditions if they spot safety hazards and lapses, it added, and urged companies to ensure safety measures are implemented properly.
According to data released by the Ministry, maximum injuries at the workplace have been due to slips, trips and falls, since 2014. The Ministry also noted a significant rise in such incidents over the years. Many organisations have failed to address STF issues in risk assessments.
The Ministry has also instructed firms to implement safety measures and encourage members of their workforce to report any unsafe conditions they encounter. Employers have been warned of strict action if serious lapses are found.
