here - Workplace Safety and Health Council

JUNE 2013
S A F E T Y + H E A L T H I N V O L V E S E V E R Y O N E
02
LAUNCH OF NWSH
CAMPAIGN 2013:
THIS COULD BE YOU
04
WSH STATISTICS
REPORT 2012
10
LATEST WSH
INITIATIVES

2 STRATEGIC STRIDES STRATEGIC STRIDES 3
LAUNCH OF THE
National Workplace Safety
and Health Campaign 2013
The Workplace Safety and Health (WSH)
Council was established on 1 April
2008 to raise the workplace safety
and health standards in Singapore. The
Council comprises 19 leaders from the
major industry sectors, the Government,
unions and professionals from the
legal, insurance and academic fields.
The Council’s key thrusts are to build
industry capabilities to better manage
WSH, to promote safety and health at
work, to recognise companies with
good WSH records and to set acceptable
WSH practices. There are seven industry
committees focusing on the areas of
construction and landscaping, healthcare,
logistics and transport, marine works,
chemical, metalworking, manufacturing
and hospitality and entertainment.
Three functional committees have also
been formed to identify, champion and
implement initiatives in the areas of
engagement and outreach, workplace
health and industry capability building.
SHINE is a quarterly newsletter on
workplace safety and health issues.
For contributions, feedback or more
information, please e-mail
WSHC_SHINE@wshc.sg
PUBLISHER
Workplace Safety and Health Council
ADDRESS
1500 Bendemeer Road,
#04-01 MOM Services Centre
Singapore 339946
This year, the National Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Campaign
brings a personalised message to all workers with “This could be you“.
The campaign strikes hard at a common safety mindset that “accidents
would not happen to me” and is a timely reminder to all that accidents can
happen to anyone if we ignore WSH practices.
The year-long campaign was launched on 20 May 2013 at The
Cube, Asia Square by Guest-of-Honour, Prime Minister (PM)
Lee Hsien Loong. In his opening speech, PM Lee highlighted
the importance of WSH and the role everyone can play to instil
safety consciousness and work safely in the workplace. While
Singapore’s fatality rate has halved — from 4.0 per 100,000
employees in 2005 to 2.1 per 100,000 in 2012 — there is still
room for improvement as Singapore lags behind developed
countries such as UK (0.6), Germany (0.7) and Australia (1.9).
At the launch, 37 government agencies showed their support
for WSH with a commitment to raise safety standards in public
construction and development projects by setting and enforcing
WSH rules.
Chairman of the WSH Council, Mr Lee Tzu Yang, also shared in his
opening address that this year’s campaign aimed to remind all
workers that accidents could happen to anyone and when they do
happen, the worker’s loved ones would also be adversely affected.
This message was also reinforced in the Council’s new TV
commercial that was unveiled during the event and can now be
seen on local and online media platforms. Striking a sombre tone,
the commercial shows a worker slipping and falling off the side
of a building at a construction site. As he plunges downwards in
slow motion, he is seen to personify various everyday workers
— a father of two, a newly-wed husband, an only child. This puts
a real face to the consequences of ignoring safety practices at
work. View the TV commercial at www.wshc.sg
PM Lee trying out the latest set of WSH exhibits that companies can tap on to
educate their workers on safety and health measures.
Catch our latest TV commercial at www.wshc.sg
INNOVATIVE WAYS TO SPREAD THE SAFETY MESSAGE
The event also unveiled WSH Council’s new augmented reality
installation. The installation features an interactive screen
showcasing seemingly ordinary workplace scenarios such as a
warehouse full of boxes, a loading bay and chemical drums placed
neatly in rows. When the participant steps on a trigger point in
front of the screen, he is visually projected within a workplace
scenario on screen. Within a split second, the scenario quickly
escalates into a “fatal” accident, with the participant being
“buried” by falling boxes, “hit” by a reversing truck or “burnt” by
a chemical fire. The installation drew crowds of participants from
school children to workers.
No part of this publication may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or
by any means without the prior written
permission of the publisher.
A participant tries out the augmented reality installation.
For more information on booking WSH exhibits, visit www.wshc.sg

4 STRATEGIC STRIDES
Spotlight
ON SAFETY
WSH STATISTICS REPORT 2012
HIGH-RISK SECTORS STILL A CAUSE FOR CONCERN
OTHERS
Manufacturing Marine
Construction
79% 21%
A lesson on safety
SAFETY PROFILE 5
from the London Olympics
FATALITY RATE per 100,000 employed persons
4.9
2004
Released by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Workplace Safety
and Health (WSH) Council and WSH Institute, the latest WSH Statistics
Report shows that the workplace fatality rate has declined to a
record low, from 4.9 per 100,000 employed persons in 2004 to 2.1
per 100,000 employed persons in 2012. However, the number of
reported work injuries and incidences of occupational diseases (ODs)
has increased.
HEIGHTENED MONITORING AND EARLY DETECTION IN
OD CASES
839
CASES
2 0 1 1
2012
18 % 88 %
987
CASES
2 0 1 2
Noise–induced
deafness
987
CASES
OD cases rose by 18%—from 839 reported in 2011 to 987 cases
in 2012. This rise was primarily attributed to increased monitoring
efforts by MOM’s Occupational Safety and Health specialists who
encouraged early detection and reporting. Of the 987 OD cases, 88%
were cases of noise-induced deafness, with over 98% of workers
diagnosed at the early stage when intervention measures can be
taken to prevent further deterioration.
2012 2011
Workplace Injuries 11,113 10,121
Fatal Injuries 56 61
Major Injuries 588 556
Minor Injuries 10,469 9,504
Occupational Diseases 987 839
2.1
2012
Table 1: Number of Workplace Injuries and Occupational Diseases, 2011 and 2012.
The three traditional sectors (manufacturing, marine and construction)
continue to account for 79% of workplace fatalities in 2012. These sectors
also saw a collective increase of 17% in both major and minor injuries.
Together, all three sectors account for close to half of all major and minor
injuries reported in 2012.
Industry 2012 2011
All sectors 56 (55) 61(58)
Construction 26 (25) 22 (21)
Marine 6 (6) 10 (8)
Manufacturing 12 (12) 13 (13)
Logistics & Transport 7 6
Others 5 10
Table 2: Number of Workplace Fatal Injuries by Industry, 2011 and 2012
Figures in parenthesis refer to the number of fatal incidents.
In particular, the construction sector accounted for nearly half of all work
fatalities (46%) and 1 in 4 of major industries. The sector’s fatalities also
rose from 22 in 2011 to 26 in 2012, and posted the highest fatal injury
rate amongst the three sectors.
WORK-RELATED FALLS ON THE WATCH LIST
The number of work-related falls fell from 26 cases in 2011 to 17 in 2012.
However, it was still the leading incident type in 2012, accounting for
30% of all fatalities. Fall-related deaths and injuries were seen across
both traditional sectors and service sectors such as logistics and transport,
telecommunications, advertising and business support activities.
BUILDING A ROBUST WSH CULTURE WITH CULTURESAFE
Highlighting the need for concrete measures and attitudes, Chairman
of the WSH Council, Mr Lee Tzu Yang, said, “Industry players need
to review the trends and compare them against their workplaces
to identify areas of concern. Where shortfalls are seen, companies
must take concrete measures to implement better WSH practices.
To do so, they can tap on various case studies, guidelines and codes
of practice issued by the WSH Council. But beyond this, we must
change attitudes and encourage safe work behaviour. In this aspect,
the Council’s CultureSAFE programme can help.”
The CultureSAFE programme, consisting of a five-step CultureSAFE
cycle, has been developed to help organisations nurture a strong
WSH culture and inculcate the right WSH mindset among the
workforce. Small- and medium-sized enterprises keen to start and
maintain their safety culture within their workplaces can also tap on
the WSH Culture Fund to help defray the associated costs in adopting
the CultureSAFE programme.
To view the WSH Statistics Report 2012 in full or to find out more about the CultureSAFE programme,
visit www.wshc.sg
The health and safety of workers has always been the
priority for the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA). In this
issue of SHINE, Mr Lawrence Waterman (Order of the
British Empire), Head of Health and Safety for the ODA
and Past President of Institution of Occupational Safety
and Health, shares with us his experience in constructing
one of the biggest and most challenging projects the
United Kingdom (UK) has ever undertaken – London
Olympics 2012.
When the UK began construction work for London Olympics 2012, it
was calculated that the project would see three deaths, more than
500 workers would be seriously injured and around 100 of them
would have their lives adversely affected by their injuries. However,
the London Olympic facilities turned out to be the first in the history of
the Games to be completed without a fatality.
The Olympic Park built for the London Olympics was a massive project.
Construction for the Olympic facilities involved the 80,000-seater
Stratford Stadium and 2,818 flats for the Olympic Village.
CAREFUL PLANNING AT EVERY STEP
Planning was done based on simple foundations that can be applied
to building projects of any size and place:
• Show commitment to safety
ODA showed its commitment to safety by declaring a zerofatality
target. With measurable objectives and targets, ODA sent
out a clear message on what all workers were expected to work
towards. Leadership was also provided at every level, from the
Chief Executive to every subcontractor to get everyone to work
to prevent deaths onsite.
• Design for safety and health
ODA encouraged designers to design for health and safety in
construction, use and future maintenance.
• Detailed planning and risk management
ODA planned every phase of work, profiled every risk and
managed those risks carefully.
ODA’s determination and attention to planning and risk
management paid off. After 62 million man-hours, the London
Olympic facilities were the first in the history of the Games to be
completed without a fatality. Its onsite accident frequency rate
is less than the all-industry average of 0.21 and from a worker’s
perspective, working at the site of the London Olympics was
equivalent to working in an office.
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING AS CRITICAL AS ACCIDENT
PREVENTION
Research has shown that more construction workers have their
health damaged than there are those who are injured in accidents
during work. This was verified from what they observed during the
construction of the Olympic Park.
They found that an overwhelming number of the 12,000 builders
had an unhealthy lifestyle and many were significantly overweight.
Workers often skipped their breakfasts after indulging in fatty
takeaways the night before and in the one-hour period before lunch,
their minds were usually on what they wanted for lunch rather
than on the job at hand. This distraction was the main reason why
accidents happen. To keep safety on top of the workers’ minds, ODA
offered healthy porridge to them for just £1. The result was — better
diets, lower accident rates and a general boost to health.
LEARNING LEGACY
All these efforts had helped ODA reap rewards of a more efficient
and effective workforce. The approach ODA has adopted is relevant
not only for the construction sector, but also for any workplace.
The construction of Singapore’s venues and public infrastructure
and London Olympic Park are intimately connected. The initiatives
that worked for the Olympic Park can also be applied elsewhere.
Many of the safety procedures at the Olympic Park were not new
but they were implemented consistently and thoroughly. Daily
activity briefings were mandated, even at the smallest site. Onsite
communication, no matter how trivial, was also strongly encouraged.
With visible commitment throughout any project, every organisation
can protect their workers and bring success to their business.

6 EVENTS
EVENTS 7
Jurong Gateway Safety Group Seminar - 13 Mar 2013
ProBE Plus Forum 2013 places priority
on safety in Work at Heights and
Crane Operations
More than 600 WSH professionals, managers and supervisors attended the annual
Programme-based Engagement (ProBE) Plus Forum on 4 April 2013. This year, ProBE
Plus puts the spotlight on work at heights (WAH) and crane safety. These two work
sectors contributed to 40% of work fatalities and 47% of major injuries in 2012 and
are priority areas for both engagement and enforcement efforts in 2013.
Speaking at the event, Senior Parliamentary Secretary (SPS) for Education
and Manpower Mr Hawazi Daipi, highlighted the importance of the industry’s
role in improving workplace safety and health (WSH) and the need to better
regulate WAH practices. He said, “The ProBE Plus Programme is all about active
engagement, ownership and making a change. The idea is to raise capabilities to
better manage WSH issues and reduce risks at our workplaces.”
NEW REGULATIONS AND INITIATIVES
SPS announced that the WSH (Work at Heights)
Regulations are in force from May 2013.
However, two specific requirements in the
regulations will take effect a year later from
1 April 2014, to enable industry stakeholders
more time to get ready for these changes.
The two requirements are implementing fall
prevention plans and a permit-to-work system
for activities where workers are liable to fall
from a height of more than 3 metres.
The completion of the WAH Competency
Framework was also highlighted at the Forum.
The first of its kind targeting a specific area
of work, the framework aims to train and
equip all four key levels of staff – workers,
supervisors, assessors and managers, with
essential knowledge and skills on WAH safety.
All curriculum for the four levels are ready and
stakeholders are encouraged to register for the
courses with accredited training providers.
To help the industry improve crane safety
and implement effective lifting plans, a new
pilot course “Appointed Persons for Lifting
Operations” was shared with stakeholders. The
course is designed to train personnel to plan
and coordinate complex lifting operations and
will be available from mid-2013.
A slew of WSH related events were recently organised to raise safety standards in
several industries.
Technical Seminar for Mobile Cranes - 27 Feb 2013
As part of ongoing initiatives to raise awareness on crane safety, the Institution of Engineers
Singapore (IES), supported by Ministry of Manpower (MOM), WSH Council and Lifting
Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), organised a Technical Seminar for Mobile Cranes on
27 February 2013. Speakers from MOM and the industry shared best practices and case studies
on crane safety operations from different perspectives – from manufacturer to builder to client.
Through the seminar, participants gained better understanding on the roles of various
stakeholders and how they can complement one another towards safe use of mobile cranes.
The Jurong Gateway Safety Group, in collaboration with the WSH Council, organised its inaugural
Construction Seminar on 13 March 2013 at Science Centre Singapore. More than 140 construction
stakeholders, including those involved in the construction projects around Jurong Gateway, were
updated on the latest WSH statistics for the construction sector and related accident case studies.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) also shared different incentive schemes and
technologies aimed at enhancing safety and productivity.
Participants were also engaged in a question-and-answer session where they learnt about ways
to manage difficult stakeholders and support the incorporation of safety provisions.
Singapore Petrochemical
Complex HSE Campaign - 9 Apr 2013
Comprising an upstream company and more than ten downstream companies, Singapore
Petrochemical Complex organised its annual Complex Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)
campaign to get its workers, staff and contractors involved in WSH. Held on 9 April 2013 at
Jurong Island, participating companies and contractors gained a better understanding on good
work practices and the latest safety products from the various WSH exhibits on display.
Forum for Authorised Examiners (Lifting Equipment) - 11 Apr 2013
More than 60 authorised examiners (AEs) attended the Forum for Authorised Examiners (Lifting
Equipment) held at the HDB Hub Convention Centre on 11 April 2013. Organised by MOM and
WSH Council, the Forum aimed to help AEs better understand important issues relating to safe
use of lifting equipment.
Er Mohd Ismadi, Deputy Director (Equipment Safety) of MOM highlighted the pivotal role AEs play
to ensure safety and integrity of statutory equipment at workplaces while other MOM speakers
shared important regulatory updates and key learning points from past lifting inspections. A
speaker from Sennebogen Cranes also shared the latest in mobile cranes technology.
WSH Forum for Facilities Management Industry - 9 May 2013
With the Facilities Management (FM) industry employing more than 124,000 workers and the
work affecting many more tenants and occupants of buildings, a WSH Forum for FM Industry
was held on 9 May 2013 to help the sector better manage WSH. More than 250 facility
managers, building developers and service buyers in the FM sector attended the forum where
they learned about best practices and their roles and obligations under the WSH Act.
Mr Kenneth Foo, Chairman of the WSH Council FM Workgroup highlighted how the smooth operation
of buildings presents many WSH challenges (such as high-rise greenery which requires maintenance
work) as the sector involves multiple disciplines. He also shared the FM Workgroup’s efforts to help
the industry better manage these WSH challenges – through courses and new guidelines.
Bedok Safety Group Seminar on Work at Heights - 23 May 2013
A seminar on work at heights (WAH) was held on 23 May 2013 for the members of the Bedok
Safety Group (BSG). BSG organised the seminar as part of initiatives to get its members and
contactors actively involved in WSH developments and building a strong safety culture.
Mr Lai Poon Piau, Executive Director of the WSH Council highlighted the Council’s plans to work
with the BSG in reaching out to schools in the eastern area and involve the community-at-large
in WSH. Besides picking up important WAH tips and good practices, participants also gained a
better understanding of their roles under the new WAH Regulations.

8 CASE FILE CASE FILE 9
Case Brief: On 13 October 2010, a worker was using a gas
cutter to cut a scrap escalator when one of the separated
parts fell and struck him.
The Accused: Operations manager of New Tsingyi Pte Ltd
Employer fined for failure to ensure workplace safety
On the day of the incident, the deceased was tasked to cut
the scrap escalator into three parts for recycling purposes. As
no clear instructions were given to the deceased on how he
should physically cut the scrap escalator, he decided to devise
his own work method and proceeded to use a gas cutter to
do so while the scrap escalator was in an upright position. During the cutting process, one of the separated parts
(measuring 5.9m long and 1.6m wide) suddenly dropped on its side, struck the deceased and killed him instantly.
Investigations revealed that the operations manager was aware that the scrap escalator was physically in the factory
and that it had to be cut up into smaller parts. However, he did not give any instructions as to the work method to
be used by his workers. The operations manager, who was in charge of workplace safety at the factory, also did
not conduct any risk assessment. He failed to provide adequate instructions and ensure that a safe work procedure
(such as using blocks and chain blocks to support the scrap escalator) was used by his worker before cutting works
commenced. This would ensure that the scrap escalator was stable in the midst of cutting and would not cause
serious injury to anyone in the vicinity.
For failing to ensure the safety of his worker, the operations manager was fined $50,000 under the Workplace Safety
and Health Act.
Case Brief: On 17 September 2009, a worker was
descending a ladder when he fell off the ladder and
landed 14m onto the ground below.
The Accused: Wai Fong Construction Pte Ltd
Employer fined for failure to ensure workplace safety
On the day of the accident, the deceased was involved
in a formwork dismantling process. The formwork panel
was earlier secured by nine tie-rods with wing nuts during
the construction of a column. At the material time of the
accident, all the tie-rods had already been removed and
the panel was only secured by two wires tied to the rebars
protruding from the top of the column.
To dismantle the formwork, the deceased climbed up a ladder that was resting against the formwork panel, in
order to rig the panel to a crane. He untied the two wires and as he started to descend the ladder, the unsecured
formwork panel was dislodged, which in turn destabilised the ladder. The deceased then lost his balance, fell off
the ladder and landed on the ground 14m below.
Investigations revealed that Wai Fong failed to implement an established safe formwork dismantling method
where at least two tie-rods should be left in place to temporarily secure the panel as it was being rigged to a
crane. Wai Fong also did not ensure the adequacy of using wires to secure the panel. The deceased’s supervisor
contributed to the accident as he did not ensure that at least two tie-rods were left in place to temporarily secure
the panel before instructing the deceased to work on the panel.
For failing to take adequate safety measures for the dismantling of formwork, Wai Fong and the supervisor were
fined $70,000 and $800 respectively under the Workplace Safety and Health Act.
Case Brief: On 17 December 2008, during formwork
erection, a worker stood on top of the formwork while
operating a chain block to lift the formwork. At the
material time of the accident, one of the wire ropes
rigging which secured the formwork to the lifting hook
of the chain block slipped, causing the formwork and the
worker, to drop about 3m to the concrete slab below.
The worker was taken to the hospital but subsequently
succumbed to his injuries the next day.
The Accused: Yangzijiang International (S) Pte Ltd
Employer fined for failure to ensure workplace safety
Investigation revealed the chain block was suspended
from an automatic climbing formwork system. This
manner of suspending the chain block had been used
without incident on previous occasions. However, on the
day of the accident, the automatic climbing formwork
system was at a height that was higher than usual. Hence,
the lifting chain of the chain block was not long enough.
The deceased improvised on the work method by connecting an uncertified wire rope to the original rigging, in
order to lengthen the entire lifting chain. During its lifting, one end of the uncertified wire rope slipped out of its
end wire clip, resulting in the accident.
Investigations revealed that Yangzijiang failed to conduct a risk assessment and establish safe work procedures
for the method it devised in using the automatic climbing formwork system to suspend the formwork for the
construction of the wall. Without such measures in place, there is a risk of workers bypassing or improvising from
the original work procedures. Yangzijiang also failed to ensure that there was effective work supervision in place
and no further instructions were given to the worker on how to perform the work, given that there was a known
change to the usual work method. In addition, Yangzijiang failed to ensure that the chain block’s lifting chain was
long enough or that workers could still perform their work from the single lift access scaffold provided.
For failing to take adequate safety measures for the construction work, Yangzijiang was fined $80,000 under
the Workplace Safety and Health Act.
Get
SNAPPING
for Safety!
Snap@MOM is a free and user-friendly mobile application offered by Ministry of Manpower
(MOM) to encourage industry and community ownership in managing workplace safety
and health. Using prevalent mobile phone technology platforms such as iOS and Android,
members of the public or the workforce can take photographs of both unsafe and
commendable work practices and conditions. The users can then use in-built GPS feature on
the mobile device to identify the workplace location and send the photograph with a short
description to the workplace occupier for follow-up. As of 31 May 2013, over 6,800 users
have downloaded the app and sent over 1,600 photographs of unsafe acts or best practices.

10 WHAT’S NEW WHAT’S NEW 11
Latest WSH INITIATIVES
IMPORTANT UPDATES IN
WSH (WORK AT HEIGHTS) REGULATIONS
UPDATE ON WSH (WORK AT HEIGHTS) REGULATIONS 2013
The WSH (Work at Heights) Regulations have been gazetted and are in effect from 1 May 2013. Currently
applicable only to factories, coverage will be expanded to all workplaces in May 2014. Key provisions
in the new Regulations include implementation of a fall prevention plan (FPP), permit-to-work (PTW)
system, training of WAH personnel, safety provisions for working on roofs and fragile surfaces and
emphasis on using industrial rope access systems.
The scope of coverage of the proposed Regulations is in two phases:
1 May 2013 Regulations in effect and applicable only to factories
1 May 2014 • Coverage will be expanded to all workplaces;
• Establishment and implementation of FPP for specified workplaces; and
• Implementation of PTW system for work at heights where a person could
fall from a height of more than 3 metres.
The WSH (Construction) Regulations have also been amended to delete those replica provisions in the new
WSH (Work at Heights) Regulations via the WSH (Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 2013.
RESOURCES AND ASSISTANCE FOR THE INDUSTRY
To help industry get ready for the upcoming Regulations, the WSH Council has rolled out various capability
building initiatives such as a revised Approved Code of Practice on Working Safely at Heights and an enhanced
Construction Safety Orientation Course. To keep trainers up-to-mark on WAH fundamentals and ensure that
they are competent to train others effectively, a new WAH Train-the-Trainer course was also developed. The
increase from the current pool of 10 WAH accredited training providers in the coming months will translate to
some 130,000 training places equipped to conduct the various WAH courses.
REPEAL OF THE FACTORIES (PIC) AND
FACTORIES (COC) REGULATIONS
The Ministry of Manpower has two specific regulations to govern the operational safety of internal combustion
engines (ICEs) and steam boilers (SBs); these regulations legislate the requirements of competent persons
operating these machinery. Over the years, manual operations have advanced to using automation and
monitoring devices to ensure that ICEs and SBs operate within safe limits. Taking into consideration
advancement in technology and the performance-based WSH Act, the Factories (Persons-in-Charge) Regulations
and Factories (Certificate of Competency-Examination) Regulations will be revoked from 18 March 2013. The
current WSH Act and its subsidiary legislation in place will ensure oversight on the safe operation of ICEs and
SBs at workplaces.
NEW
Publications
The WSH Council recently issued five publications – the revised Approved Code of Practice on Working Safely at Heights, and
Activity Based Checklists. To view these publications in full, visit www.wshc.sg
Code of Practice for
Working Safely at Heights
Safe Storage of Chemicals
Improper and unsafe storage of chemicals can be hazardous to you and your workers. Use this basic checklist + as a guide to keep
you and your workers safe. For more information on how you can keep your workplace safe, go to www.wshc.sg
Name of Company Process/ Location
Checked by (Name/ Designation) Date
Chemicals are kept in
closed containers when
not in use.
Safety Checks
Chemicals and their
containers are correctly
labelled.
Chemicals and their
containers are stored
properly (e.g., racks
and cabinets) in wellventilated
areas.
Safety data sheets (SDS)
are available for all the
chemicals stored.
Workers are prohibited
from smoking in areas
where flammable
chemicals are stored.
Containment materials
such as absorbents are
available.
Fire extinguishers on site
are not expired.
Combustibles (e.g.,
papers and cloths) are
removed or stored away
from the chemical storage
area.
+ This checklist may not cover a l aspects of work activities in your workplace. You should review the checklist when there are changes in any work activity.
* NA – Not applicable
Please tick ( 3)
Yes No NA*
If no, action required by:
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Revised Approved Code of Practice for Working Safely at Heights
To support industry’s compliance of the new Work at Heights Regulations 2013,
this revised edition of the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for Working Safely
at Heights now includes guidance on implementing fall prevention plans
and permit-to-work systems for working at heights, and provides further
elaboration of key statutory requirements. This ACOP applies to work at
heights activities across all industry sectors.
Activity Based Checklists
Designed as a simple and practical safety guide for use onsite, the
checklists can be used by workers and supervisors to help keep all parties
safe. The checklists include various work activities such as “Safe Storage of
Chemicals”, “Working Safely at Heights”, “Working Safely with Machines”
and “Working Safely with Non-powered Hand Tools”.
Openings into or
through which a person
may fall are covered or
guarded with effective
barriers.
Working Safely at Heights
Falls from heights are a major cause of work-related fatalities and injuries. It is important to ensure and maintain a safe work
environment for working at heights. Use this checklist + as a guide to keep you and your workers safe. For more information on
how you can keep your workplace safe, go to www.wshc.sg
Safety Checks
There are handrails and
lower rails at open sides
of staircases.
Guardrails are put in place
to prevent people from
falling over the edge.
Working platforms used
are certified, of sound
construction and are
able to support the
worker’s weight.
Safe means of access and
egress are provided.
Workers are provided
with personal fall arrest
systems with sufficient
and secured anchorages.
Good housekeeping
is practised to prevent
falls from heights due to
tripping hazards.
An appointed and
competent supervisor
oversees workers working
at heights.
+ This checklist may not cover a l aspects of work activities in your workplace. You should review the checklist when there are changes in any work activity.
* NA – Not applicable
Please tick ( 3)
Yes No NA*
Name of Company Process/ Location
Checked by (Name/ Designation) Date
If no, action required by:
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Working Safely with Machines
Working with machines will expose you and your workers to risks which can lead to serious bodily injuries. Use this basic checklist +
as a guide to keep you and your workers safe. For more information on how you can keep your workplace safe, go to www.wshc.sg
Name of Company Process/ Location
Checked by (Name/ Designation) Date
Safety Checks
Emergency shutdown
switch for each machine
is within operator’s reach.
Machine guard is
installed on moving
parts of machine.
Workers check for
irregularities on machine
before operation.
Workers are briefed on
the hazards and risks of
working with machines.
Workers wear earplugs
when working with
noisy machines.
Workers’ clothes are fitted
and their long hair is tied
to prevent either from
being caught in machines.
Good housekeeping is
maintained in machine
area.
Work area is well-lit.
+ This checklist may not cover a l aspects of work activities in your workplace. You should review the checklist when there are changes in any work activity.
* NA – Not applicable
Please tick ( 3)
Yes No NA*
If no, action required by:
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
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Name :
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Working Safely with
Non-powered Hand Tools
Using the wrong tools or the correc tools incorrectly to perform a task can cause injuries. Use this basic checklist + as a guide to
keep you and your workers safe. For more information on how you can keep your workplace safe, go to www.wshc.sg
Name of Company Process/ Location
Checked by (Name/ Designation) Date
Damaged tools are
replaced.
Safety Checks
Workers keep tools and
hands clean and free
from grease.
Workers are briefed on
the hazards and risks of
the job.
Workers are trained to
use tools correctly.
Workers wear safety
goggles to protect
their eyes from flying
particles.
Workers wear safety
shoes.
Tools are stored properly
in their correct places.
+ This checklist may not cover a l aspects of work activities in your workplace. You should review the checklist when there are changes in any work activity.
* NA – Not applicable
Please tick ( 3)
Yes No NA*
If no, action required by:
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :

This could be you
if you ignore safety practices at work.
Every day, 30 people are injured at work.
Every week, 1 dies.
Work accident victims can be anyone —
a father, a husband or someone’s child.
Don’t ignore safety practices.
For more information, visit wshc.sg