After a spate of construction accidents over the last fortnight, the Singapore Contractors Association Ltd (SCAL) has called an islandwide "Safety Time Out" on Saturday. About 150 of its members have committed to carrying this out.

In a Safety Time Out, work on the site is paused in order to review current safety practices and risk assessments and see whether improvements are required. In addition, top management may also walk around the site to speak to workers and emphasise the importance of safety. Safety workshops may also be held.

Firms already conduct regular Safety Time Outs but SCAL said it was calling this islandwide one "in light of the recent spate of accidents". These include the collapse of a tower crane at the site of the National Art Gallery which killed two workers.

The exercise is supported by the Workplace Safety and Health Council and the Manpower Ministry.