MOM to conduct more workplace inspections, advises companies to call for voluntary safety timeout
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MOM is calling on companies to conduct a voluntary safety timeout between June 12 and June 26, with an emphasis on vehicular safety, and work that takes place at height.
ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
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SINGAPORE – The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will ramp up inspections in certain “high-risk sectors” and is asking companies to carry out a voluntary safety timeout, after five workplace deaths were recorded in May.
The number of deaths was an increase from the three 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 companies to conduct a voluntary safety timeout between June 12 and June 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
Vehicular incidents were the top cause of death, followed by suffocation or drowning. The construction sector accounting for the most deaths, with 20 recorded.
