BIZSAFE CONVENTION GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE WORK-AT-HEIGHT

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BIZSAFE CONVENTION GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE WORK-AT-HEIGHT
FEBRUARY 2019

                        bizSAFE                                     bizSAFE
                    PARTNER                                       ENTERPRISE
                     AWARD                                       PROGRESSIVE
                                                                    AWARD

                         bizSAFE
                    ENTERPRISE                                                   bizSAFE
                    EXEMPLARY                                                   CHAMPION
                      AWARD                                                      AWARD

02         BIZSAFE
           CONVENTION
           2019                    08   GETTING TO THE HEART
                                        OF THE WORK-AT-HEIGHT
                                        ISSUE                   09       SAFE HANDS
                                                                         CAMPAIGN - TAKE
                                                                         TIME TO TAKE CARE
BIZSAFE CONVENTION GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE WORK-AT-HEIGHT
2         STRATEGIC STRIDES

                                                                        BIZSAFE - CREATING
                                                                        SAFE, HEALTHY AND
                                                                        SECURE WORKPLACES
                                                                        Ensuring the safety, health and security of workers is crucial for business success. As of
       The Workplace Safety and Health (WSH)
       Council was established on 1 April
                                                                        December 2018, 41 workers did not make it home to their families and over 12,000
       2008 to raise the workplace safety                               other workers were injured at work. The costs of such workplace accidents and injuries
       and health standards in Singapore. The                           are significant not only to the workers and their families, but to businesses as well
       Council comprises 18 leaders from the                            such as:
       major industry sectors, the Government,
       unions and professionals from the
       legal, insurance and academic fields.                               • Loss of production output due to absenteeism or project delays
       The Council's key thrusts are to build                              • Additional costs for training of replacement workers and re-hiring
       industry capabilities to better manage                              • Adverse impact on corporate image and reputation
       WSH, to promote safety and health
       at work, to recognise companies with
       good WSH records and to set acceptable                           Such losses are often underestimated as some are not immediately felt or are difficult
       WSH practices. There are seven industry                          to quantify.
       committees focusing on the areas of
       construction and landscaping, healthcare,
       logistics and transport, marine works,
                                                                        Safety at work requires the commitment of everyone at the workplace. As workers
       chemical, metalworking, manufacturing                            spend most of their days at work, companies must be responsible for setting the
       and hospitality and entertainment.                               direction on how safe practices should be implemented, practiced, documented and
       Three functional committees have also                            improved on a continuing basis.
       been formed to identify, champion and
       implement initiatives in the areas of
       engagement and outreach, workplace                               More importantly, every family has the right to expect that the breadwinner can return
       health and industry capability building.                         home safe and healthy. When that assurance is provided, workers will be happier and
                                                                        more productive knowing that they are working in a safe and healthy workplace.
           SHINE is a quarterly newsletter on
           workplace safety and health issues.                          Improving safety and health standards at the workplace
         For contributions, feedback or more
     information, please email contact@wshc.sg                          In 2007, bizSAFE was introduced to help companies take the first step in creating safe,
                                                                        healthy, and secure workplaces. Through the five-step programme, companies can
                     PUBLISHER                                          achieve quantum improvements in safety and health standards at the workplace by
          Workplace Safety and Health Council                           implementing a good workplace safety and health (WSH) management system and by
                        ADDRESS                                         building their risk management capabilities.
                 1500 Bendemeer Road,
               #04-01 MOM Services Centre
                    Singapore 339946
                                                                        In addition to improving WSH outcomes, bizSAFE also helps the company improve
                                                                        its business productivity, improve employee retention and increase the company’s
                                                                        reputation and standing.
    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.

                     Appearing on the cover:
                      (Top row, left to right)
    bizSAFE Partner Award: Sunny Tan, Head of HSSE & Quality,
  C&W Services (S) Pte. Ltd., Jenny Khoo, Head of Asset Operations,
         Singapore, Lendlease Retail Investments 1 Pte Ltd.
bizSAFE Enterprise Progressive Award: James Ng, General Manager,
M & N Aviation Materials Pte. Ltd., Rajesh Kumar, Director, Tubetechs
 Offshore Pte. Ltd., Joe Lim, Business Development Director, Albedo
                            Design Pte. Ltd.
                    (Bottom row, left to right)
bizSAFE Enterprise Exemplary Award: Chua Chian Hong, Director,
   Megastone Holdings Pte Ltd, Tan Boon Poh, Senior Manager of
Health and Safety, Bok Seng Logistics Private Limited, Tan Eng Loo,
   Vice President, Marina Properties Private Limited, Peter Tham,
 Managing Director, Sixty-Six Switchgears Co Pte Ltd, Edward Wee,
   Managing Director, Wee Chwee Huat Scaffolding & Construction
 Pte Ltd, Chang Chew Kient, Executive Director and Chief Executive
Officer, Greatearth Corporation Pte. Ltd. Shawn Ong, Chief Operating
                     Officer, Galmon (S) Pte Ltd.
bizSAFE Champion Award: Sandy Tan, Senior Executive, Galmon (S)
  Pte Ltd, Tomabo Jiao, Manager, Sixty-Six Switchgears Co Pte Ltd.

        For the full list of bizSAFE Awards 2019 recipients,
                visit www.wshc.sg/bizsafeawards
BIZSAFE CONVENTION GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE WORK-AT-HEIGHT
STRATEGIC STRIDES           3

                                        Deliver
                                      Excellence

                                                                           Involvement
                                        in WSH

                                                                                         Recognition
                                     Management
                                       System
                                     WSHMS audited

                              Acquire Capability in
                           Managing WSH Systematically
                         WSHMS Champion attends 4-day course

                           Implement Risk Management
                              Company RM plan is audited
                   RM plan to include measures against terror threats*

                       Acquire Risk Management Capability
                            RM Champion attends 2-day course
             Course will include RM capabilities in managing terror incidents*

                  Demonstrate Top Management Commitment
                   Top Management attends half day bizSAFE Workshop
                  Company’s WSH policy to include SGSecure objectives*

                                                                       *SGSecure components

The bizSAFE programme consists of five levels of increasing
requirements and commitment. Upon achieving all five
                                                                                                       bizSAFE Awards 2019:
levels, the company will be awarded the bizSAFE STAR status.
Companies can proudly display the bizSAFE accreditation logo on
                                                                                                       The bizSAFE Awards 2019 recognise bizSAFE companies
their business collaterals as a reflection of their commitment
                                                                                                       for their commitment and dedication to the bizSAFE
to safety.
                                                                                                       programme and their effective management of risks at the
                                                                                                       workplace. There are three main award categories:
bizSAFE Convention 2019
                                                                                                       a. bizSAFE Partner Award
The WSH Council organises the bizSAFE Convention annually
                                                                                                          The bizSAFE Partner Award recognises bizSAFE Partners
to celebrate the achievements of the bizSAFE community and
                                                                                                          which are proactive and committed in bringing
help companies understand how bizSAFE can improve their WSH
                                                                                                          organisations on board the bizSAFE programme by
standards and business.
                                                                                                          incorporating WSH efforts as part of their business
                                                                                                          models (e.g. having bizSAFE Level 3 as a criteria in
This year, the theme for the bizSAFE Convention is “Take Time to
                                                                                                          procurement contracts).
Take Care”, which serves to remind everyone to take a moment
and think of how we can keep ourselves and others safe and
healthy at work, so that all workers can go home safe and                                              b. bizSAFE Enterprise Exemplary Award
healthy to their family.                                                                                  The bizSAFE Enterprise Exemplary Award recognises
                                                                                                          bizSAFE Level STAR enterprises based on their
Into its eleventh run this year, the bizSAFE Convention recognises                                        outstanding WSH performance (e.g. did not have
50 bizSAFE Awards recipients; 11 bizSAFE Partner Awards, 24                                               any accident that had caused death and dangerous
bizSAFE Enterprise Exemplary Awards (including two Gold Award                                             occurrence, no Stop Work Orders). Enterprises that
recipients), nine bizSAFE Champion Awards and six bizSAFE                                                 won the bizSAFE Enterprise Exemplary Award for three
Enterprise Progressive Awards.                                                                            consecutive years shall be conferred the Gold Award.
                                                                                                          bizSAFE Champion Award
For more information and resources,                                                                       The bizSAFE Champion Award is a sub-category of
visit www.wshc.sg/bizsafe                                                                                 the bizSAFE Enterprise Exemplary Awards. This Award
                                                                                                          recognises individuals who have been proactive in
                                                                                                          improving the WSH performances as well as raising the
                                                                                                          risk management capabilities in their organisations.
                                                                                                          These individuals are employees nominated by
                                                                                                          recipients of the bizSAFE Enterprise Exemplary Award.

                                                                                                       c. bizSAFE Enterprise Progressive Award
                                                                                                          The bizSAFE Enterprise Progressive Award recognises
                                                                                                          bizSAFE Enterprises for their efforts in improving WSH
                                                                                                          and dedication to the bizSAFE programme. These
                                                                                                          Enterprises would also have progressed from bizSAFE
                                                                                                          Level 1 to Level 3 within six months.
BIZSAFE CONVENTION GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE WORK-AT-HEIGHT
4      BIZSAFE CONVENTION SPECIAL

CREATING A SAFER
                                                                     These achievements did not happen overnight. To bring the
                                                                     employees on board, the management adopted a soft approach by
                                                                     hearing and addressing the employees’ concerns. The employees

AND HEALTHIER
                                                                     were also encouraged to voice their opinions on how to enhance
                                                                     their work environment or improve their WSH practices after the
                                                                     company began screening safety videos to better demonstrate

WORKPLACE
                                                                     how the changes can benefit them.

                                                                     Over a period of a year, employees began to witness and
                                                                     experience the health and safety benefits that came about from
Galmon (S) Pte Ltd was first established in 1982 to provide safe     the changes. In addition, there has been a reduction in the loss
and reliable work-at-height equipment. Today, they are one of        of man hours, increased productivity and lowered business
the largest mobile elevating work platform providers in Asia and a   opportunity cost.
powered access pioneer in the region.
                                                                     WSH is a continuing journey. While Galmon continues to deepen its
Safety for customers and employees is always a top priority for      safety culture and refine workplace procedures, it is also expanding
Galmon and when they first learnt about the bizSAFE programme        its focus to enhance the health and well-being of its employees
in 2010, it was only natural for them to embark on it.               through fitness programmes and family days, incentivising its
                                                                     employees to stay active and healthy. Besides striving to deliver
Since embarking on bizSAFE nine years ago, Galmon made small         safer and better products to their customers, Galmon also creates a
and steady improvements to their workplace safety and health         safer and healthier workplace for its employees.
(WSH) processes, policies and environment, and was hence able to
provide a safer and healthier workplace for their employees.         For more information about bizSAFE,
                                                                     visit www.wshc.sg/bizsafe
To this day, Galmon has won the bizSAFE Enterprise Exemplary
Award three times, and finally the Gold Award this year. A staff
member was also honoured with the Champion Award.

                                                                                 “Building a strong safety
                                                                                        culture requires the
                                                                                  effort of everyone. From
                                                                                       top management, to
                                                                                     supervisors and to the
                                                                                    workers on the ground,
                                                                                 we all have a role to play
                                                                                   in championing safety.”

                                        Mr Shawn Ong
                                        Chief Operating Officer
                                        Galmon (S) Pte Ltd
                                        bizSAFE Enterprise Exemplary Award (Gold)
BIZSAFE CONVENTION GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE WORK-AT-HEIGHT
BIZSAFE CONVENTION SPECIAL            5

STRENGTHENING
                                                                        Mr Edward Wee, Managing Director, attributed the company’s
                                                                        success in attaining their bizSAFE STAR status to constant
                                                                        communication among staff. He recalls the extensive time and

SAFETY
                                                                        effort expended to implement bizSAFE; how communication to the
                                                                        workers on the importance of WSH and the necessity to build up
                                                                        their knowledge through training had been challenging. Mr Wee

KNOWLEDGE
                                                                        also took time to strive to be an inspiration to his workers; walking
                                                                        the talk and assisting them wherever he could. He would approach
                                                                        every situation with a winning smile, hence rousing confidence

THROUGH
                                                                        in his workers. “Communication is the secret to our success, and
                                                                        through togetherness we achieved greater things,” he says.

COMMUNICATION
                                                                        Wee Chwee Huat’s bizSAFE journey had been beneficial in many
                                                                        ways. Not only had the experience improved their WSH performance
                                                                        and productivity, it also improved workers’ competency through
                                                                        safety knowledge retention. Workers also learnt to put aside their
Wee Chwee Huat Scaffolding & Construction Pte Ltd, a company            differences and work toward a common goal.
providing quality scaffolding services for over 25 years and an
Approved Training and Testing Centre offering specialised trade         With improved WSH standards, Wee Chwee Huat had gained the
training, has always placed workplace safety and health (WSH) at        trust of their customers and improved their reputation within the
its core.                                                               industry, resulting in a bigger clientele and higher profits.

At Wee Chwee Huat, staff of all levels from top management              Looking ahead, Mr Wee hopes to achieve the next level of WSH
down to the last worker play an active role in decisions that would     accomplishments where his supervisors can be bizSAFE champions
safeguard their lives. It is the company’s belief that employees        too, and to apply for the National WSH Awards.
who are involved in the decision-making process will take greater
ownership of their own safety. This is evident, as the company          For more information about bizSAFE,
does not have any fatalities over the past 10 years. Productivity       visit www.wshc.sg/bizsafe
also improved as workers were empowered to take initiative in
ensuring each project was completed in a safe manner.

                                      “An organisation will
                                      be able to overcome
                                      any challenge with
                                      efficient and transparent
                                      communication with
                                      its staff.”

                                                                                                  Mr Edward Wee
                                                                                                Managing Director
                                                                  Wee Chwee Huat Scaffolding & Construction Pte Ltd
                                                                        bizSAFE Enterprise Exemplary Award (Gold)
BIZSAFE CONVENTION GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE WORK-AT-HEIGHT
6     BIZSAFE CONVENTION SPECIAL

A CULTURE OF
                                                                        – prompted Mr Tomabo to start ‘Heart to Heart Talks’ (H2H) with
                                                                        workers without the presence of their bosses to understand their
                                                                        needs. This initiative was strongly supported by his management

CARE AND
                                                                        and proved a success as it gave workers an opportunity to share
                                                                        any difficulties they are facing at work. This allowed him to
                                                                        understand the worker on a deeper level and to tailor specific

KINDNESS
                                                                        measures to suit worker’s needs.

                                                                        One example was a worker who was absent from work for a week.
                                                                        Through H2H, Mr Tomabo realised he was grieving the passing
Mr Tomabo Jiao joined Sixty-Six Switchgears Co Pte Ltd as an            of his mother. Instead of suspending the worker, Mr Tomabo
electrical engineer five years ago. As his first job, Mr Tomabo         sought approval from the company’s management to implement
wanted to make a meaningful difference in the company. While            a new company guideline for workers who are emotionally unfit
studying existing company practices, he stumbled upon bizSAFE           for laborious work to take on light duty work for that time. Their
and immediately saw its potential.                                      supervisors will follow-up with the workers and ensure they will
                                                                        only return to their regular jobs when there are ready.
Mr Tomabo believes that safety only can be developed by culture,
and that culture must be cultivated through influence and showing       Over the last five years, Mr Tomabo has noticed an increase in
care; and it is through such a culture that the company may             workplace productivity and efficiency. In addition, the company has
advance further in its bizSAFE journey. One key impression that Mr      had no manpower loss or workplace incidents since. Mr Tomabo
Tomabo was determined to propagate among the workers was                confidently believes that most of the workers have safety culture
that accidents affect not just workers and the company, but also        in their blood.
their families as well. He hopes it would influence workers to take
ownership to take care of their own safety.                             Sixty-Six Switchgears Co is also a recipient of the bizSAFE Enterprise
                                                                        Exemplary Award 2019. For more information about bizSAFE,
Mr Tomabo started promoting the culture of care within the              visit www.wshc.sg/bizsafe
company by introducing short safety talks and semi-annually
internal safety campaigns and sharing sessions on how their work
impacts families during toolbox meetings. A valuable advice from
his director – that there is always more than one side to a person

                                    "A company cannot maximise
                                    workers’ full potential with only
                                    monetary incentives. You need
                                    to show care and concern to
                                    employees. If workers feel that
                                    their company truly cares about
                                    their well-being, they will be
                                    more compelled to put in their
                                    optimum effort."

                                                                                                        Tomabo Jiao
                                                                                     Business Development Manager
                                                                                             Sixty-Six Switchgears Co
                                                                                                   bizSAFE Champion
BIZSAFE CONVENTION GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE WORK-AT-HEIGHT
STRATEGIC STRIDES   7

Create a safer, healthier and secure
workplace for businesses
What is bizSAFE?
Introduced in 2007, the bizSAFE programme helps
companies build up Workplace Safety & Health
capabilities through 5 levels of bizSAFE recognition.

Today, over 32,000 enterprises have participated
in bizSAFE. It offers a competitive edge to its
enterprises. Based on a 2013 study by WSH Institute,
bizSAFE enterprises have better capabilities in
managing WSH risks than non-bizSAFE companies.

From 26 September 2017, bizSAFE levels 1 - 3
will be enhanced to incorporate SGSecure
components that require enterprises to
develop and implement a risk management
plan against terror threats.
BIZSAFE CONVENTION GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE WORK-AT-HEIGHT
8     PROFILE

GETTING TO THE
                                                                   fundamental safety and health management concepts and
                                                                   they will greatly improve work-at-height safety standards if
                                                                   companies invest in them.

HEART OF THE                                                       “Organisations need to understand the core fundamentals of
                                                                   workplace safety and health,” says Dr Goh. “There is no magic

WORK-AT-HEIGHT
                                                                   bullet in improving WSH outcomes. Companies should take
                                                                   ownership and re-examine existing concepts and processes and
                                                                   simplify them; the core is still risk management. This is a vital

ISSUE
                                                                   first step.”

                                                                   While changing mindsets is challenging, Dr Goh believes
                                                                   mindsets can be influenced by sharing the stories of major
Falls from heights have been an ongoing concern in the             incidents through the victims’ eyes to connect individuals to the
construction industry for many years. As the industry              cause. He stresses how getting families involved is crucial in
gets increasingly competitive, it is imperative that               convincing the industry to pay more attention to WSH.
construction companies do more to address workplace
safety and health (WSH).                                           Such accounts remind people of how workplace accidents and ill
                                                                   health affect not just the workers, but also their families.
Dr Goh Yang Miang, Associate Professor at the
NUS Department of Building, School of Design and                   Dr Goh also calls for organisations to relook at their WSH culture
Environment, gives his take on the work-at-height issue.           and exercise greater corporate social responsibility. Workers’
                                                                   health is often neglected as the lifelong repercussions are not
                                                                   immediately seen. This is alarming as workers may continue to
Starting at the core                                               work even when they are in poor health and open themselves
                                                                   up to more risks.
Dr Goh is a researcher with a longstanding interest in workplace
safety and health management. He shares that the three areas       “Many of the smaller companies know next to nothing about
identified at the Workplace Safety and Health Conference           safety and health management until something happens,” says
2018 – ownership, health and technology – are consistent with      Dr Goh.

                                                                   He puts forth three aspects to change workplace safety culture:
                                                                   1) connect with people by tugging at their heartstrings, 2) help
                                                                   people to understand the logic behind having safe workplaces,
                                                                   and 3) create a business environment where safety and health
                                                                   is expected and accepted as the norm.

                                                                   Harnessing technology to improve WSH outcomes

                                                                   Technology and innovation have the potential to transform
                                                                   the way WSH is tackled to achieve better outcomes. Dr Goh
                                                                   is currently working on different WSH technologies, including
                                                                   video analytics and predictive analytics, and says they could be
                                                                   significant game changers for the construction industry. Video
                                                                   analytics involves using CCTV cameras at construction sites to
                                                                   spot safety hazards at construction sites and alert relevant
                                                                   personnel. Trends can also be derived from the data gathered,
                                                                   and forecasts of potential incidents can be drawn up.

                                                                   Dr Goh notes how such technologies can be more reliable than
                                                                   human monitoring. Not only do they increase overall workplace
                                                                   efficiency by reducing the need to train observers to execute
                                                                   behaviour-based safety checks, they lessen the likelihood
                                                                   of a “Big Brother effect” where the worker being evaluated
                                                                   becomes exemplary only for that period of time.

                                                                   “There is a saying that safety and health is like riding a bicycle.
                                                                   If you stop peddling, it’ll just collapse,” says Dr Goh.
BIZSAFE CONVENTION GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE WORK-AT-HEIGHT
WHAT'S NEW          9

SAFE HANDS
CAMPAIGN
The Safe Hands Campaign was launched on 10 January 2019 by
Minister of State for Manpower and National Development, Mr
Zaqy Mohamad. This is the third and last phase of the National
Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Campaign 2018, aimed to
raise awareness on prevention of machinery-related hand and
finger injuries at the workplace. During the campaign period from
January to March 2019, your company can show support for the
campaign by:

• Conducting a Senior Management WSH Walkabout
• Organising a Corporate Mannequin Challenge with
  your employees
• Sharing resources on WSH Council website with employees

                                                                    In appreciation of your support for the Safe Hands Campaign, you
                                                                    will receive a campaign collaterals bundle and be listed on our
                                                                    website after the campaign.

                                                                    “Take Time to Take Care” of your safety and health by pledging
                                                                    your support at www.wshc.sg/safehands today!

JOIN THE SAFETY
                                                                    Preventing injuries and ill-health is possible when we
                                                                    take time to take care of ourselves and those around us.
                                                                    For example, workers must take time to think and adopt

STARTS WITH ME
                                                                    correct work practices, get adequate rest and stay hydrated
                                                                    by drinking water regularly. By taking time to take care of
                                                                    ourselves, we protect our safety and health.

COMPETITION!                                                        For this year’s “Safety Starts with Me” competition, we
                                                                    are looking for entries that convey a strong belief in
                                                                    the importance of safety and health in workplaces and
                                                                    compelling works that illustrate the message “Take time to
                                                                    take care of your safety and health”. Express your ideas in
                                                                    four different categories and stand to win attractive prizes of
                                                                    up to $2,500!

                                                                    • Creative Story Writing (secondary school and open category)
                                                                    • Creative Photography (open category)
                                                                    • Poster Drawing (primary and secondary school, tertiary,
                                                                      workers and open category)
                                                                    • Animation and Short Film (tertiary and open category)

                                                                    The competition ends 21 March 2019!

                                                                    For more details, go to www.wshc.sg/safetystartswithme
BIZSAFE CONVENTION GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE WORK-AT-HEIGHT
10      EVENTS

LAUNCH OF THE                                                    WSH TECHTALK
JURONG ISLAND                                                    ON WORK AT
VISION ZERO                                                      HEIGHTS
CLUSTER
Held on 23 November 2018 at Jurong Town Hall, the launch
of the Jurong Island Vision Zero Cluster was attended by
more than 100 senior management and Workplace Safety
and Health (WSH) personnel of Jurong Island companies
and their subcontractors. The Jurong Island Vision Zero
Cluster aims to bring together like-minded companies that
share a common belief that every workplace injury and ill-
health is preventable.

Chairman of the Jurong Island Vision Zero Working Group,
Engineer Lucas Ng, shared in his welcome address, the
five safety and health related attributes that all Vision
Zero companies should have - a prevention mindset, to
be proactive, to be solution-oriented, to build collective
ownership, and to go beyond compliance. He also                  On 28 November 2018, 100 senior and middle
encouraged companies and stakeholders in Jurong Island           management representatives from various industries
to play their part by embracing these attributes to foster a     attended the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council’s
pervasive and progressive WSH culture.                           Lunchtime WSH TechTalk on Work at Heights. Organised as
                                                                 part of the Target Zero Falls 2018 campaign, the event was
                                                                 extended to companies that aimed to improve their WSH
                                                                 outcomes through greater awareness and adoption on fall
                                                                 prevention technology.

                                                                 Mr Chan Yew Kwong, Director (Special Duties), from
                                                                 Occupational Safety and Health Division, Ministry of
                                                                 Manpower, spoke on the use of technology for better WSH
                                                                 enforcement, such as using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for
                                                                 inspection, investigation and surveillance. He also shared the
                                                                 technologies of the future that can expand the reach and
                                                                 depth of WSH enforcement through real-time self-regulation,
                                                                 targeted predictive data analytics and enforcement
                                                                 interactions that have lasting impact.

In his opening speech, Minister of State for National            Speakers from Teambuild Engineering & Construction and
Development and Manpower, Mr Zaqy Mohamad applauded              Lendlease Singapore shared examples of the technology
companies for their commitment to be part of the Cluster,        they had implemented, such as the use of virtual reality in
and called for more companies to come onboard. He also           training programmes to improve workers’ capabilities and
shared examples of companies who exemplify the five key          competencies, i-Track and i-Safe technologies to monitor
attributes, and how these companies have one common              worker and vehicular movements, and digitalisation of
trait – WSH is the first priority for their senior management.   information (via Building Information Modelling) to ease
He further highlighted that the cluster approach will present    the planning and implementation of safety measures using
additional benefits to the companies involved, whereby           Design for Safety principles.
rather than working individually, they can learn from one
another’s experiences as well as share best practices and        The event was supported by the Ministry of Manpower,
innovations to improve their collective WSH standards.           Teambuild Engineering & Construction, Lendlease Singapore
                                                                 and the Singapore Contractors Association Limited.
EVENTS        11

REDAS WSH                                                             Mr Zaqy also urged companies to tap on technology, citing the
                                                                      examples of Building Information Modelling to enable tasks to be
                                                                      done faster and easier, Virtual Reality to familiarise workers to

LEADERSHIP                                                            possible hazards during the construction process, and the usage
                                                                      of drones for building inspections to eliminate work at height
                                                                      risks. He commended REDAS on their commitment and efforts to

SEMINAR 2018                                                          raise their members’ workplace safety and health performance,
                                                                      and for taking the lead to draft a Design for Safety (DfS) Good
                                                                      Practice guide for developers. The guide will be ready in 2019.

The REDAS WSH Leadership Seminar 2018 was held on 14
December 2018. Organised by the Real Estate Developers’
Association of Singapore (REDAS) and supported by the
Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council, the seminar aims
to encourage stakeholders in the real estate industry to improve
their WSH standards.

In his opening address, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Minister of State
for Manpower and National Development, shared that to
encourage greater WSH ownership, companies need to transform
the business environment to one that recognises WSH as an
integral part of business success. He emphasised the importance       Speakers from the Ministry of Manpower, Dragages Singapore
of developers’ role in the construction value chain and their         Pte Ltd, DP Architects Pte Ltd were also invited to share case
involvement in preventing accidents at work sites, e.g. expecting     studies and their perspectives on the implementation of DfS in
good WSH standards as pre-requisite in their construction tenders.    Singapore.

WSH SYMPOSIUM ON CRANES
More than 400 industry partners and workplace safety and health
(WSH) practitioners attended the annual WSH Symposium on
Cranes held at the Housing & Development Board Hub on 25
January 2019. The Symposium was jointly organised by the WSH
Council and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

In his opening address, Minister of State for Manpower and
National Development, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, identified three key
areas where companies could adopt to make crane operations
safer for workers.

1) Adopt technology: Mr Zaqy cited two examples of technological
advances that helped to improve WSH outcomes and enhance              (a) Updates to Safety Handbook for Riggers and Signalmen,
productivity. First, companies in the landscaping sector eliminated   (b) Updates to Safety Handbook for Lorry Crane Operators, and
work-at-height risks by using mechanised cranes to cut trees.         (c) First draft of the WSH Guidelines on Safe Use of Lorry Loaders
Second, critical information captured by data loggers in mobile           for public consultation.
cranes helped companies plan for safer operations, streamline
their maintenance regimes and achieve greater productivity. Since     3) Focus on health: Chronic diseases such as diabetes,
the introduction of data loggers, the number of mobile crane-         hypertension and high cholesterol could pose workplace safety and
related Dangerous Occurrences reduced from 11 cases in 2015 to 3      health risks if not properly managed. Mr Zaqy stressed the need for
cases in 2018. MOM is currently working with industry stakeholders    crane contractors and companies to enhance care for their workers’
to test the next generation of data loggers which support real-time   health by taking an integrated approach to managing work, safety
monitoring and alerts.                                                and health with Total WSH.

2) Invest in capability building: Mr Zaqy encouraged companies        The Symposium facilitated cross-learning with a panel of speakers
to build up the capability of their workers. He announced that an     from MOM, WSH Council and industry partners who presented
industry-led Work Group on Lifting Supervisors would be formed        on various related WSH topics and shared some of industry best
this year to look at ways to further enhance the capabilities         practices. Exhibits from industry and academia were also on display
of lifting supervisors. He also announced the release of three        to encourage adoption of technologies for safer lifting operations.
pertinent documents to guide lifting crews on safe operations:
12   FEATURE
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