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safety and health involves everyone @ work / 2007 WSHAC report

Work safely for your loved ones

When you do your jobRemember safety first

Always look, think, then you doWorking safely with a smile

For colleagues and your loved ones

SHINE at work, do your part todayThere’s a role for you and me

Safety and health involves everyoneBe as safe as you can be

(Rap)SHINE at work

Safety and Health for you and meSHINE, that’s right

Safety and Health for all to see

Contents Page

Introduction

Chairman’s Statement WSHAC Organisation Structure

Advisory Committee and Sub-Committee Members

Calendar of Events

Lifting to New Heights : WSH 2015

Building Strengths and Competencies

Active Engagement to Reduce Risks

Promotions, Recognition and Awards

Creating Strong Ties

Introduction

The Workplace Safety and Health Advisory Committee (WSHAC) was formed in September 2005, to spur industry efforts to raise workplace safety and health (WSH) standards in Singapore. The 14-member strong advisory committee comprises leaders from across the major industry sectors, including oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, property development, legal, insurance, academia, unions and associations.

The WSHAC advises the Ministry of Manpower on WSH standards, promotes WSH awareness and engagement of industry to raise the level of WSH. The WSHAC also drives the training of key stakeholders to raise competency and capabilities in WSH as well as address the unique challenges of key sectors.

The WSHAC currently incorporates 4 industry-specific sub-committees, in the areas of construction, metalworking, shipbuilding and ship repairing, and healthcare, with plans to expand into more areas.

Two functional sub-committees on competency, education and training and engagement and publicity were formed in late 2006 and a sub-committee looking into finance was established in 2007.

The WSHAC will be stepped up to become a Council with effect from 1 April 2008.This special report highlights the WSHAC’s achievements and activities from October 2006 to March 2008 and read together with the WSHAC Annual Report 2005 – 2006, summarises the WSHAC’s milestones since its inception in 2005.This marks the end of a chapter of the Committee’s endeavours and signals the start of a new and exciting journey as the WSH Council.

2007 WSHAC Report | introduction

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WSHACorganisation structure

Chairman’s Statement

The Workplace Safety and Health Advisory Committee (WSHAC) has accomplished much since its inception in 2005. We have forged strong ties and gained support from industry stakeholders. Improvement in Singapore WSH status is in no small part due to their valuable contributions.

I wish to highlight key areas in which the WSHAC has made significant success.

Extended National WSH Campaign

A month-long National Workplace Safety and Health Campaign was organised in 2007 to spread the message for a strong and pervasive safety culture. Formerly a week-long event, the strong involvement of stakeholders bears testimony to the

effectiveness of our theme ‘Shine@Work’ or ‘Safety and Health INvolves Everyone @Work.’ Our first drive for pledges for the WSH 2015 strategy gathered an astonishing 52,560 pledges, and made it to the Singapore Book of Records 2007.

Directors’ Guide - Targeting Top Management

Senior management commitment is vital to drive WSH in any organisation. To this end, the ‘WSH Act Directors’ Guide’ was launched, in addition to the regular CEO Breakfast Sessions, to encourage commitment and feedback from senior management.

2007 WSHAC Report | chairman’s statement

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We have reached out to more than 40,000 stakeholders in over 200 seminars, and will continue to expand our efforts to reach new workplaces.

Lee Tzu Yang, Chairman, WSHAC

bizSAFE – Targeting SMEs

The newly rolled-out bizSAFE programme has specific relevance to SMEs, and as a first step, requires the attendance of top management at a half-day workshop to learn more about WSH. I am pleased to report that to-date, more than 350 SMEs have signed up for bizSAFE.

Extending Capabilities of Professionals and Workers

We have reached out to more than 40,000 stakeholders in over 200 seminars, and will continue to expand our efforts to reach new workplaces. Enhancing capabilities and competencies of WSH professionals is one of our key strategic thrusts. The WSHAC has co-developed with the Workforce Development Agency (WDA), a national competency framework to cover WSH professionals. Audits have been conducted regularly on training providers to ensure consistency in the standard of delivery of WSH training. Training and re-certification requirements for workers in the construction, shipbuilding and ship repairing sectors have also been reviewed.

Formation of The WSH Council

The WSH Council will take over from the WSHAC in April 2008. This will strengthen our resources to build industry capability, set acceptable safety and health practices, and promote WSH. With each initiative, we spread the WSH message and engage stakeholders to push for zero workplace accidents. The fatality rates have decreased but there is still much to do. Singapore workplaces must continue to improve WSH performance and ensure that workers return home safely to their families.

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safety and health involves everyone @ work

WSHAC

Secretariat

Functional Sub-

Committees

Industry-Based

Advisory Sub-

Committees

Shipbuilding and Ship-

Repairing Sub-Committee

Healthcare Sub-Committee

Metalworking Sub-Committee

Construction Sub-Committee

Competency, Education and Training Sub-

Committee

Engagement and Publicity

Sub-Committee

Finance Sub-Committee

WSHAC Organisation Structure2007 WSHAC Report | WSHAC organisation structure

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Advisory Committee and Sub-Committee Members

Workplace Safety and Health Advisory Committee (WSHAC)

Mr Lee Tzu Yang Chairman, WSHAC Chairman, Shell Companies in Singapore

Mr Eugene Yong Kon Yoon Chairman, Construction Advisory Sub-committee (CNSC) Director, Woh Hup Pte Ltd

A/Prof Lim Meng Kin Chairman, Healthcare Advisory Sub-committee (HCSC) Department of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS)

Mr Erik PeyrerChairman, Metalworking Advisory Sub-committee (MWSC) Co-Chairman, Engagement and Publicity Advisory Sub-committee (EPSC) Vice President, Business Development, Asia Pacific and Middle East, Cameron

Prof Poo Aun Neow Chairman, Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing Advisory Sub-committee (SSRSC) Director, Bachelor of Technology Programme, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore (NUS)

Mr Soh Kong Pheng Chairman, Competency, Education and Training Advisory Sub-committee (CETSC) Deputy CEO (Operations), Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA)

Ms Kala Anandarajah Chairperson, Engagement and Publicity Advisory Sub-committee (EPSC) Partner, Rajah & Tann

Mr K. Karthikeyan Co-Chairman, Competency, Education and Training Advisory Sub-committee (CETSC)General Secretary, United Workers of Petroleum Industry

Mr Cher Ah Kow Managing Director, Liberty Insurance Pte Ltd

Mr Heng Chiang Gnee President and CEO, SembCorp Environmental Management Pte Ltd

Dr Law Song Seng Chairman and CEO, ITE Education Services Pte Ltd

Mr Ong Hian SunSenior State Counsel, Attorney-General’s ChamberChairman, Finance Advisory Sub-committee

Mr Jackson Yap Group Managing Director, United Engineers Ltd

Mr Yeo Guat Kwang Director, Quality Worklife, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC)

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Construction Advisory Sub-Committee (CNSC)

Mr Eugene Yong Kon YoonChairman, CNSCMember, WSHAC Director, Woh Hup Pte Ltd

Dr Ting Seng KiongDeputy Chairman, CNSCAssociate Dean (Undergraduate Studies), College of Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Mr Ashvinkumar1st Vice-President, Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA)

Mr Foon Lang YongManager of Construction, Foster Wheeler Eastern Pte Ltd

Mr Desmond HillPresident, Singapore Contractors Association Limited (SCAL)

Mr Harry HoGeneral Manager, Singapore Construction Safety and Consultancy Pte Ltd (SC2)

Mr Mohamad Japa Bin RusdiTreasurer, Singapore Institution of Safety Officers (SISO)

Mr Simon LeeExecutive Director, Singapore Contractors Association Limited (SCAL)

Mr Lim Jue MengDeputy Director, Procurement Policies Department, Business Development Division, Building Construction Authority (BCA)

Mr Lim Poo YamDeputy Director, Safety Division, Land Transport Authority (LTA)

A/Prof Florence LingMember, QS Divisional Council, Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (SISV)

Mrs Trina LohCommittee Member, Real Estate Developers’ Association of Singapore (REDAS)

Mr Reggie LimCountry EH and S Manager, Bovis Lend Lease Pte Ltd

Mr Benjamin TanVice-President, Singapore Contractors Association Limited (SCAL)

Mr Tan Kai HongChairman, Health and Safety Division, EEH and S Technical Committee, Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES)

Er Ng Kim Leang Head, Technology Development Unit 5, Building Technology Department, Housing and Development Board (HDB)

Er Koh Boon LiangChairman, Professional Development & Seminars Committee, Association of Consulting Engineers Singapore (ACES)

Mdm Jennie YeoAssistant Executive Secretary, Building Construction and Timber Industries Employees’ Union (BATU)

Mr John GweeCouncil Member and Chairman of the Safety Committee, Singapore Landscape Industry Council (SLIC)

2007 WSHAC Report | advisory committee and sub-committee members

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Metalworking Advisory Sub-Committee (MWSC)

Mr Erik Peyrer Chairman, MWSCVice President, Business Development, Asia Pacific and Middle East, Cameron

Er Lim Sui SoonDeputy Chairman, MWSCDirector of HSSE, APME and EE, Cameron

Mr Mack Moey Manager, (Executive Development Division) Singapore National Employers’ Federation (SNEF)

Prof Lennie Lim Associate Chair (Operations), School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Prof Ang Hock EngAssociate ProfessorSchool of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Mr Lai Weng Kee Vice President, Kinetics Integrated, Manufacturing, ST Kinetics

Mr Peter Lock Managing Director, MTQ Engineering Pte Ltd

Alternate Mr Surya Rao QA/QC Manager, MTQ Engineering Pte Ltd

Mr Andrew Chua Pelmec Industries Pte Ltd

Miss Florence Ng Head, Industrial Relations, Metal Industries Workers’ Union

Mr Ong Pak Shoon Member, Singapore Institute of Safety Officers (SISO)

Mr Jordan Tan General Manager, Baker Oil Tools Asia Pacific

Mr Tan Cheng Keat OHSAS Chairman, Senior Manager, Operations, Domestic Appliances Product, Philips Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd

Mr Andrew H. S. Tan President, Singapore Institution of Safety Officers (SISO)

Mr Harsen Tan Member, Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES)

Mr William da Silva Honourary Secretary, Executive Council, Association of Small Medium Enterprises (ASME)

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Healthcare Advisory Sub-Committee (HCSC)

A/Prof Lim Meng Kin Chairman, HCSCDepartment of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS)

Ms Jeanne LimDeputy Chairperson, HCSCGroup Assistant Vice President, Quality Division, ParkwayHealth

Mrs Alice ChewSenior HR Manager, National Skin Centre, National Healthcare Group

Ms Diana ChiaGeneral Secretary, Healthcare Services, Employee’s Union

Dr Raymond Chua Swee BoonHonorary Secretary, Singapore Medical Association (SMA)

AlternateDr Lee Pheng SoonPresident, Singapore Medical Association (SMA)

Dr Foo Kok KangManager, Allied Health Services, School of Health Sciences, Nanyang Polytechnic

Dr Anthony GohRepresentative, Singapore Dental Association

A/Prof Goh Lee GanPresident, College of Family Physicians Singapore

Ms Lek Yin YinDeputy Director, Workplace Health Promotion Programme, Health Promotion Board

Miss Susie KongExecutive Director, Singapore Nurse Association

Mr Joshua LeeManager, Facilities Department, Ren Ci Hospital and Medicare Centre

Mr Winston TangGeneral Manager, Home Nursing Foundation

Mr Ng Cheng TiangPresident, Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore

Dr Ong Bee PingDeputy Director, (Licensing and Accreditation), Health Regulation Division, Ministry of Health (MOH)

Mr Edward PoonDirector of Nursing, Dover Park Hospice

Dr Tay Ee GuanDirector, Education and Research, Singapore Health Services (SingHealth)

Dr Wong Chiang YinChief Operating Officer, Changi General Hospital, Singapore Health Services (SingHealth)


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ShipBuilding and Ship Repairing Advisory Sub-Committee (SSRSC)

Prof Poo Aun Neow Chairman, SSRSCDirector, Bachelor of Technology Programme, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore (NUS)

Mr Michael Chia Deputy Chairman, SSRSCPresident, Association of Singapore Marine Industries (ASMI)

Mr Wong Peng Kin Vice President, Association of Singapore Marine Industries (ASMI)

Mr Abu Bakar Mohd Nor Chairman, Safety Committee, Association of Singapore Marine Industries (ASMI)

Ms Winnie Low Executive Director, Association of Singapore Marine Industries (ASMI)

Er S. Yogeeswaran Assistant Honorary Treasurer, Institute of Engineers Singapore (IES)

Mr Seah Liang Bing Assistant Secretary, Singapore Institution of Safety Officers (SISO)

Mr Wong Weng Sun Managing Director, Jurong Shipyard Pte Ltd

Mr Nelson Yeo Executive Director, Keppel Shipyard Limited

Mr Lim Nian Hua Senior Manager (Operations), Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd

Mr Ong Poh Kwee Managing Director, Sembawang Shipyard Pte Ltd

Mr Ng Sing Chan Executive Director, Pan-United Marine Limited

Mr Thomas Lim Workmen Compensation and Others Committee, General Insurance Association of Singapore (GIA)

Mr Patrick Phoon Councillor and Honorary Treasurer, Singapore Shipping Association

Mr Patrick Tay Head, Industrial Relations, Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Employees’ Union

Mr Sharma Vishnu Parmanand Council Member, Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers Singapore

Mr Chew Chin KwangMember, Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers Singapore

Mr Cheng Kenf Woon Senior Manager, Ship Inspection, Maritime and Port Authority Singapore

Mr Ong Say Cheng Head of Shipyards, Penguin Shipyard International Pte Ltd

Mr Dennis C. Carroll Managing Director, Damen Shipyard Singapore Pte Ltd

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Engagement and Publicity Advisory Sub-Committee (EPSC)

Ms Kala AnandarajahChairperson, EPSCPartner, Rajah and Tann

Mr Erik PeyrerCo-Chairman, EPSCVice President, Business Development, Asia Pacific and Middle East, Cameron

Ms Winnie LowExecutive Director, Association of Singapore Marine Industries (ASMI)

Ms Jennie YeoAssistant Executive Secretary, Building Construction and Timber Industries Employees’ Union (BATU)

Mr Andrew ChuaPelmec Industries Pte Ltd

Ms Chua Bee HongExecutive Director, Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Singapore (4As)

AlternateMr Steven OngCouncil Member, 4As

Mr Simon LeeExecutive Director, Singapore Contractors Association Limited (SCAL)

Mr Peer M. SathikhPresident, Designers Association Singapore

Mr Dominic Nathan News Editor, The Straits Times

Mrs Alice ChewSenior HR Manager, National Skin Centre, National Healthcare Group

AlternateMr Ng Cheng TiangPharmaceutical Society of Singapore

Competency, Education and Training Advisory Sub-Committee (CETSC) Mr Soh Kong PhengChairman, CETSCDeputy CEO (Operations), Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA)

Mr K. KarthikeyanCo-Chairman, CETSCGeneral Secretary, United Workers of Petroleum Industry

Dr Ting Seng Kiong Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies), College of Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Ms Winnie LowExecutive Director, Association of Singapore Marine Industries (ASMI)

Mr Andrew H.S TanPresident, Singapore Institution of Safety Officers (SISO)

Er Lim Sui SoonDirector of HSSE, APME & EE, Cameron

Mr Simon Lee Executive Director, Singapore Contractors Association Limited (SCAL)

Finance Advisory Sub-Committee

Mr Ong Hian SunChairmanSenior State Counsel, Attorney-General’s Chamber

Mr Cher Ah Kow Managing Director, Liberty Insurance Pte Ltd Mr Nicholas Quek Manager, Occupational Safety and Health Department


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calendar of events

October 2006 Milestone 3 Oct Information Sharing Session with EDC@ SCCCI: A Safe and Healthy Workplace is Good Business – Make it Yours! 4 Oct Construction Strategy Closed Door Dialogue 9 Oct Preparing You for ProBE (Falls From Height) 10 Oct - 12 Oct OS+H Asia 2006 Exhibition 26 Oct OSH Seminar in the Marine Industry – WSH as Competitive Advantage for Small and Medium Shipyards 31 Oct – 2 Nov Inaugural International Advisory Panel For Workplace Safety and Health Meeting

November 200621 Nov – 24 Nov Visit by Hong Kong Occupational Safety and Health Council 22 Nov – 23 Nov Seminar on “The Best in Workplace Safety and Health” 23 Nov Seminar “Australia’s Victoria State Shares Learning Points on Achieving Zero Fatality in Construction in 2006” 24 Nov i - 4 - OSH Exhibition 2006 24 Nov Awards 2006 - Celebrating the Best in WSH 24 Nov Workplace Safety and Health Awards Ceremony 2006 24 Nov Launching of WSHAC Website

Calendar of Events

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January 2007 Milestone12 Jan Preparing You for ProBE (Work at Heights) Dialogue Session for the Construction Industry 23 Jan Preparing You for ProBE (Work at Heights) Dialogue Session for the Manufacturing Industry 25 Jan Preparing You for ProBE (Work at Heights) Dialogue Session for the Shipbuilding and Ship-repair Industry

February 20079 Feb Dialogue Session for ProBE Programme on Pre-cast Industry

March 200722 Mar ProBE Seminar 2007 28 Mar Dialogue with the Construction Industry on Changes April 20075 Apr Launch of Man + Machine Workers’ Poster Drawing Competition 11 Apr Breakfast Session with Insurance Industry 20 Apr – 24 May National WSH Campaign 2007 20 Apr Launch of WSH 2015 24 Apr Breakfast Session with the Veterinary Sector 24 Apr Dialogue with the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Industry 25 Apr Workplace Safety and Health Act 2006: What Company Directors Need to Know!

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2007 WSHAC Report | calendar of events

May 2007 Milestone7 May Seminar on Risk Management for the Metalworking Industry 11 May ProBE Seminar on Forklift Safety 17 May Workshop on Risk Management 18 May Safety in Construction: Broader Perspective and Innovations 20 May Little India Sunday Market Tamil Variety Show 22 May CEO Breakfast Talk: Knowing WSH in the Healthcare Industry 22 May Workplace Safety and Health for the Healthcare Sector 24 May National WSH Campaign Closing Ceremony 24 May WSHAC Information Sharing Session on Recent Accidents

June 20075 Jun Dialogue with SSIC 29 Companies

July 200711 Jul SH Connect for Landscape Industry 26 Jul ProBE on Lifting Equipment

September 200721 Sep Launch of Noise-induced Deafness (NID) Prevention Programme

October 200712 Oct Workplace Safety and Health Awards 2007

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November 2007 Milestone16 Nov ConSASS Launch

December 20073 Dec Noise-induced Deafness Technical Seminar 6 Dec Workshop on Risk Management

January 200814 Jan Information Sharing Session for the Food and Beverages and Hotel Sector (WSH Act)29 Jan Information Sharing Session for the Transportation Sector (WSH Act)

February 200814 Feb Launch of Noise-induced Deafness Poster Drawing Competition23 Feb Information Sharing Session for the Healthcare Sector (WSH Act)25 Feb Information Sharing Session for the Landscaping Sector (WSH Act)26 Feb Information Sharing Session on ProBE Findings and Demolition Work27 Feb Information Sharing Session for the Waste and Water Management Sector (WSH Act)

March 2008 25 Mar Seminar on 2007 WSH Statistics Report and ProBE Areas 2008

2007 WSHAC Report | calendar of events

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lifting to new heights:WSH 2015

Lifting to New Heights:WSH 2015

The unveiling of the new WSH framework in March 2005 and the introduction of the WSH Act on 1 March 2006, marked a new phase of development for WSH in Singapore. Making the change more challenging was the setting of a 10-year target to halve the number of work-related fatalities to 2.5 per 100,000 workers by 2015.

The Strategy to Raise Standards

A national, strategic and long term approach is vital for Singapore to achieve sustained and continuous improvement in WSH standards. Towards attaining this objective, the WSH 2015 – A Strategy for Workplace Safety and Health in Singapore – was co-drafted by the WSHAC and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in July 2007.

WSH 2015 spells out the national vision, the strategic outcomes and strategies over

the next 10 years and poses a challenge to all stakeholders to attain this heightened objective. The outcomes WSHAC and MOM hope to achieve via this strategy are: • Reduction in occupational fatality and injuries rates;• Workplace safety and health as an integral part of business; and• Singapore renowned as a Centre of Excellence for WSH.

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Strategy InitiativeBuild strong capabilities to better manage WSH

• Developing guidelines

• Providing safety • recommendations • Reviewing training • and development

Implement an effective regulatory framework

• Developing • targeted strategic • enforcement • programmes • Reviewing • legislation

Promote benefits of WSH and recognise best practices

• Enhancing the • WSH recognition • framework • Promoting • industry-led • WSH outreach • programmes to • bring the WSH • message to a • wider audience• Disseminating • timely information • on WSH

Develop strong partnerships locally and internationally

• Enhancing the • capabilities of • the WSHAC • Formation of • an International • Advisory Panel of • experts to critique • on development of • WSH strategies • and standards

These four strategies serve as beacons guiding the Committee’s efforts to elevate WSH standards in Singapore.

Numerous activities were organised to outreach to the industry on the WSH 2015. These included a dialogue session with the shipbuilding and ship repairing industry in collaboration with MOM. The event was graced by Professor Poo Aun Neow, Chairman of the WSH Shipbuilding and Ship-Repairing Advisory Sub-committee, and saw more than 100 participants from the industry.

To help the construction industry implement WSH 2015, the WSHAC developed a WSH strategy for the construction industry. Modelled after the WSH 2015, this plan will help the construction industry elevate their WSH standards.

2007 WSHAC Report | lifting to new heights : WSH 2015

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building strengthsand competencies

Building Strengths and Competencies

A key component of the WSH framework is to grow the capabilities of employers and stakeholders to manage workplace safety and health issues. The industry requires committed management and skilled professionals in order to better comprehend, control and deal with the risks associated with WSH. This entails garnering management support, developing a competency framework for the industry, upgrading the WSH profession, building capabilities in risk management, establishing good quality WSH training providers and if necessary, facilitating financial assistance for the small players.

In the last year and a half various new initiatives and outreach programs were launched to increase capabilities and capacities of stakeholders.

Starting at the Top – Changing Mindsets

To spur top management to recognise the importance of workplace safety and health and to better understand their roles and responsibilities in the wake of the new WSH Act, the WSHAC published the WSH Act Directors’ Guide.

This publication sets out the guidelines on managing WSH risks and is targeted at directors and senior management of both public and private sector organisations.

To launch the WSH Act Directors’ Guide, an Information Sharing session was jointly organised by WSHAC and the Singapore Institute of Directors on 25 April 2007. The session was graced by Mr Lee Tzu Yang, Chairman of the WSHAC, and saw a strong turnout of about 200 senior management personnel.

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Developing WSH Trade-specific Competencies

In an effort to raise trade-specific WSH competencies, the WSH Competency, Education and Training Advisory Sub-committee (CETSC), the MOM and the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) are collaborating under the Workplace Safety and Health Manpower, Skills and Training Council (WSH MSTC) to develop a WSH trade-specific competency framework. Commencing with the marine sector, 13 trades have been identified. As part of a phased approach, 3 trades (forklift, metal scaffolding and rigger and signalman) were selected for the development of the worker and supervisor level training programme. The training programme for the remaining 10 trades is expected to be developed in FY 08. With the experience gained from the marine sector, the development of the 19 competency based trade specific training for the construction industry is expected to commence in FY 08.

Developing the Competencies of WSH Professionals

The WSHAC recognises that WSH professionals play a crucial role in the WSH landscape across industries in Singapore. In an effort to raise the profile of the WSH professional, the WSHAC, represented by the WSH CETSC, provided policy inputs and consulted with MOM and WDA on the development of the WSH Professional Competency Framework. This project entails the development of a competency map and qualifications framework as well as the production of competency standards, curriculum, training and assessment guides, and the Industry Framework Qualifications Development Guide.

The project also includes the establishment of international benchmarks on competency standards and qualifications framework for WSH Professionals. The pilot runs commenced in November 2007 and the first batch of graduates under this framework graduated in March 2008. The WSH CETSC was continually involved in the consultation and validation process of the project.

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2007 WSHAC Report | building strengths and competencies

Facelift - Worker Training and Certification

In July 2007, the training and certification requirements for workers in the construction, shipbuilding and ship repairing industries were revised. These changes, proposed by the WSHAC and accepted by MOM, are in line with Singapore’s WSH 2015 strategy, to enhance the ability of workers to manage safety and health issues. It is anticipated that the new training requirements for workers in the marine and construction industry will help to equip new foreign workers with basic WSH knowledge, early.

New foreign workers in these sectors are now required to attend the Construction Safety Orientation Course (CSOC) or the Shipyard Safety Induction Course (SSIC) within two weeks of their arrival in Singapore. Apart from basic WSH knowledge, workers are also educated and tested on their knowledge of their rights and responsibilities under Singapore’s employment laws. A similar model will be developed for the metalworking as well as and oil and petrochemical industry in 2008-2009.

bizSAFE - Engaging SMEs to Invest in WSH

With more big corporations outsourcing their businesses, WSH is becoming increasingly important for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that account for a large proportion of the outsourced market. Recognising this, the WSHAC has developed the bizSAFE programme with the endorsement and support of MOM.

Designed for the industry, bizSAFE aims to help SMEs improve the management of WSH through a 5 step recognition process. One of the early initiatives by the Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing Advisory Sub-committee in collaboration with ASMI, was to conduct two runs of half-day bizSAFE workshops for Chief Executive Officers and Senior Management. Over 55 participants attended the workshops.

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Creating a Foundation for Students

The WSHAC has embarked on a project to incorporate WSH into formal education to cultivate a strong WSH culture from young. This effort, it is hoped, will in the long run, support and sustain higher workplace safety performance. The WSHAC has invited institutes of higher learning that include universities, polytechnics and ITEs to take the lead to instill WSH awareness and incorporate WSH into the curriculum. A pilot run has been scheduled to begin in January 2008 in two of the institutes.

Funding Risk Management

Based on the recommendation of the WSHAC, the MOM has topped up the Risk Management Assistance Fund (RMAF) with a further $8 million. This sum is to be distributed at the rate of $2 million per annum over the next four years. The RMAF will co-fund up to 70% of the consultancy cost to ensure that more companies can benefit from this fund.

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Garnering Buy-in for the Expanded WSH Act

As part of the second phase, the WSH Act was expanded to cover six new sectors with effect from 1 March 2008.

Six New Sectors under WSH Act

• Services allied to the transport of goods; • Landscape care and maintenance services;• Water supply, sewerage and waste management;• Hotels / Food & Beverage;• Healthcare activities; and• Veterinary activities

To secure industry participation and ownership of WSH by the six additional sectors, the WSHAC organised a series of small closed-door dialogues sessions with key stakeholders.

To prepare these six sectors to be covered under the WSHA Act, the WSHAC engaged the various sectors in information sharing sessions. Besides increased engagement, guidelines on WSH for these six sectors were published before the commencement of the second phase of the WSH Act.

Implications of the WSH Act on the healthcare sector was also the focus of a CEO Breakfast Talk held on 22 May 2007, organised by the WSHAC. More than 45 senior management personnel from the healthcare industry who were keen to better understand how they could prepare for the expansion of the Act took part.

In addition, over 245 senior management personnel in the healthcare sector enhanced their knowledge of the WSH Act and WSH (Incident Reporting) Regulations following an Information Sharing Session held on 22 May 2007. Organised by the WSHAC, the session highlighted the WSH (Risk Management) Regulations and methodology and explored potential workplace risks in the healthcare industry.

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Continuous Supply of WSH Professionals

In anticipation of higher demand for WSH professionals in Singapore due to increased industry activities and the expansion of the coverage of the WSH Act, the WSH CETSC is proactively exploring avenues to ensure sustainable supply of WSH professionals in Singapore. As such, the WSH CETSC is looking into mutual recognition arrangements to enable international WSH professionals to qualify to work in Singapore, developing strategies to attract qualified candidates to take up a career as a safety professional as well as nurturing undergraduates with technical background to take up WSH as a second degree or diploma, among others.

Creating awareness through Exhibitions

To highlight the importance of WSH across all industry sectors and levels, the WSHAC participated in APOSHO 2007 (31st October – 2 November 2007), a safety and health convention organised by the National Safety Council of Singapore.

For the first time, the WSHAC was also represented at GardenTech 2007 (7 – 11 December 2007, HortPark), a trade show that brought together the horticulture and landscaping industry. The show

featured more than 100 exhibits and showcased the importance of WSH in the landscaping industry.

Understanding Singapore’s WSH Landscape – WSH Perception Survey

The WSHAC conducted a WSH perception survey to better understand the level of awareness and information on specific issues in WSH among the stakeholders. This survey will aid in the planning of WSH promotional activities and strategies to unearth motivational factors which can prompt action or inaction.

More than 1000 stakeholders comprising of staff from all levels from three major industry sectors were interviewed as part of the perception survey. General findings showed that the top management and WSH professionals and engineers feel that “Supervisors” are most responsible for ensuring a safe environment. Supervisors and workers rated “WSH professionals and engineers” as being the most responsible for ensuring a safe environment. “Workers” were perceived as least responsible for ensuring a safe environment. The findings of the survey gave meaningful insights to the industry and will influence the WSHAC’s action plans for the new financial year.

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Different Strokes for Different Sectors

From generating guidelines and recommendations to conducting analysis and developing an audit system, the WSHAC sub-committees have produced tangible outcomes that have enhanced WSH in the varied sectors.

Healthcare Sector

Guidelines for Healthcare StaffThe WSH Healthcare Advisory Sub-committee (HCSC) drafted the WSH guidelines to prepare the healthcare sector to be included under the WSH Act in 2008 and to raise WSH standards in this sector. Various representatives from the industry have been consulted in the drafting process. The sub-committee published the guidelines in early 2008.

Healthcare RoadshowsAs part of the outreach to healthcare workers, the WSH HCSC organised roadshows at three major hospitals in Singapore. The roadshows, which took place in the first quarter of 2008, lasting three days each, educated healthcare staff on the WSH Act, hazards in the healthcare setting as well as on the rights and responsibilities of healthcare workers. The roadshows featured various interactive and educational display panels, games and prizes.

Construction Sector

Development of a Safety Audit SystemTo increase WSH standards at individual worksites, the WSH Construction Advisory Sub-committee (CNSC) has developed a Construction Safety Audit Scoring System (ConSASS). ConSASS is an audit tool which provides an independent assessment of the safety and health management system at a worksite and offers a profile of the development status of the worksite’s safety and health management system.

This system aims to help the management better strategise resources in order to elevate standards and improve the effectiveness in managing a worksite’s safety and health risks. As an assessment tool, ConSASS can be used for cross comparison between worksites in terms of their effectiveness in managing WSH risks.

ConSASS was launched by the WSH CNSC on 16 November 2007 at SCAL House. The event was graced by Mr Hawazi Daipi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Manpower and saw an attendance of 200 representatives from the construction industry. Several government agencies, associations and companies have pledged their support for ConSASS. Among them are Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers, Housing and Development Board, Singapore Contractors Association Limited, Singapore Institute of Architects, Land Transport Authority, Foster Wheeler Asia Pacific and Building Construction and Timber Industries Employees Union.

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Study on Training Development and Retention of Skilled WorkersWSH CNSC has formed a workgroup to facilitate the training, development and retention of a core group of skilled and experienced workers. Retention of experienced and skilled workers will help individual players in the construction industry maintain a certain competency level in WSH. In this effort, the workgroup has extensively studied industry best practices and is currently drafting a series of recommendations for the WSHAC’s considerations.

Raising Awareness in the Industry The WSHAC in collaboration with MOM, organised a dialogue session to raise awareness of the changes affecting the construction industry. Held on 28 March 2007, Mr Eugene Yong, Member of WSHAC and Chairman of WSH CNSC graced the event.

Information on the 10-year plan for the industry entitled “Implementing WSH 2015 for the Construction Industry” was shared at the session. Modelled after the WSH 2015 strategy, this plan aims to help the industry elevate WSH standards. Two key strategies of this plan pertain to competency and legislation.

In addition, the revised Worker Safety and Wellbeing test was recommended by the WSHAC. The industry was also introduced to new WSH Regulations and a revised Demerit Points Scheme which aims to help monitor and guide the industry’s WSH performance. The event saw the participation of over 200 industry members.

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Metalworking Sector

Review of Safety Orientation CoursesA review was conducted by the WSH Metalworking Advisory Sub-committee (MWSC) together with the Approved Training Providers (ATP) on the Metalworking Safety Orientation Courses. The review encompassed course materials, examination questions, medium of instruction and assessment, and certification. The sub-committee is also continuously involved in monitoring the ATPs’ implementation of the new course materials to ensure relevance and alignment of training materials to the WSH Act.

To help the industry better understand risk management and its potential applications to business, the WSH MWSC organised a English and Mandarin seminar and three workshops on the topic. These events, targeted at the metalworking industry, saw the participation of more than 450 representatives from metalworking Small and Medium Enterprises and were very well received by the industry. In a similar effort, the WSHAC also organised a seminar on 12 November 2007 for metalworking companies to highlight the importance and benefits of integrating WSH in their companies.

Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing Sector

Workshops, Courses and SeminarsTo facilitate risk assessment implementation in the shipbuilding and ship repairing industry, the WSH Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing Advisory Sub-committee (SSRSC) collaborated with the Association of Singapore Marine Industries (ASMI) to conduct a series of Trade Specific Risk Assessment (RA) Implementation Workshops.

The objectives of these workshops were to provide a platform for feedback and sharing on RA implementation, to establish alignment of RA implementation across shipyards and to enhance RA implementation at the workplace. Based on the series of workshops, eight trade-specific RA samples were developed and made available on MOM’s and ASMI’s website.

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Other efforts by the WSH SSRSC and ASMI to implement risk management in the shipbuilding and ship repairing industry include the organisation of 24 runs of 2-day Risk Management Courses. At the courses, participants learnt the process of identifying hazards associated with work, and familiarised themselves with the assessment of risks involved, prioritising measures to control the hazards, controlling, monitoring, and communicating such risks at the workplace to reduce accidents.

To communicate the importance of WSH in the industry, the SSRSC together with ASMI, conducted a series of seminars and talks that included topics such as Eye Emergencies, Permit-to-Work System and Industrial Vehicle Safety for the marine industry.

Review of Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing Manual The WSH SSRSC, in collaboration with ASMI, is engaged in reviewing and updating the Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) Management Manual for the Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing Industry to develop benchmarking and standardisation across the industry. The review of the manual will align it with the new WSH Act and the WSH 2015 strategy.

Putting Forth the Case for WSHThe WSHAC and WSH SSRSC jointly organised a seminar for small and medium shipyards to discover how building a safe work culture at workplaces improves competitiveness. The seminar which included presentations on common contraventions, past accident cases as well as a sharing by a shipyard on how high WSH standards contributed to their competitiveness, attracted more than 70 participants from small and medium shipyards. The event was supported by MOM and ASMI.


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active engagementto reduce risks

Active Engagementto Reduce Risks

Targeted engagement is key to an effective self-regulatory framework. Through past case analysis and statistics, the WSHAC identifies systemic lapses that can potentially cause more accidents and updates the industry via alerts, seminars, workshops, dialogues and publications. The WSHAC also recommends Codes of Practice for varied industries to reduce hazards and risks. Industry associations are also engaged by the WSHAC to promote self-regulation such as setting norms for acceptable WSH standards.

Practical Guidance for the Industries

The WSHAC recommended that a number of Singapore Standards and Codes of Practice be endorsed as Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP) by the Commissioner for WSH under Section 39 of the WSH Act. The ACOPs provide practical guidance on WSH to the industry and are intended to be used as a yardstick to assess whether reasonably practical measures for the upkeep of safety and health standards at the workplace are taken. The Commissioner has endorsed the WSHAC’s recommendations and the new ACOPs took effect from 1 May 2007.

Defining Construction Regulations

The WSH Construction Sub-committee (CNSC) visited the United Kingdom (UK) from 10 to 14 March 2008 to study the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007). The set of regulations covers WSH over the full life cycle of a construction project. It aims to help developers, designers, contractors and other stakeholders ensure that the construction project is safe to build, safe to use and safe to maintain. The objective of the visit was to understand the implications of CDM 2007 on the industry and how regulatory agencies and construction bodies worked together to implement the CDM 2007 in UK.

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Producing Learning Tools

National Statistics Report

To help identify trends and chart the necessary preventive strategies, the WSHAC releases the WSH National Statistics Reports on a half-yearly basis. The Statistics Reports provide comprehensive data and analysis of WSH statistics and charts safety and health trends at Singapore workplaces. The 2006 and 2007 reports were produced and are available on the WSHAC website.

Construction Case Studies Booklet

To educate workers in the construction industry about potential hazards at their workplaces and to enable players in the construction industry to achieve better WSH standards through training, the WSH CNSC in collaboration with MOM has developed and published a compilation of fatal accidents in the construction industry. This publication provides details on how the accidents occurred and how they could have been prevented and will be made available on the WSHAC website for educational purposes.

Case Study Animations and Docu – Drama for the Marine Industry

To help to inculcate the importance of safety at work in the Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing Industry, the WSH Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing Advisory Sub-committee (SSRSC) has commissioned and published three case study animations. The animations of real-life accident cases in the marine industry aim to create greater visual and audio impact on lessons learnt and to drive home the message that it takes only one mistake for an accident to happen and the need to be vigilant at all times.

Targeted at foreign workers and management executives, the three accident cases include fire and explosion, falls from height and struck by falling object. The case studies have been made freely available on the WSHAC website and the sub-committee has plans to develop more animations in a similar format. To increase safety awareness, the WSH SSRSC has also released a docu-drama.

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2007 WSHAC Report | active engagement to reduce risks

Safety Posters and Safety Training Materials for Metalworking Industry

To raise awareness of hazards specific to the metalworking industry, the WSH Metalworking Advisory Sub-committee (MWSC) has developed a series of WSH posters. Besides the production of industry specific safety posters, the WSH MWSC has also released a series of training materials in powerpoint format. These materials aim to assist metalworking companies to enhance their safety training for workers. Both the safety posters and safety training materials have been made freely available on the WSHAC website for companies to download and utilise as safety awareness and training materials.

Sharing Session on Recent Accidents

Noting a spike in accidents in May 2007, the WSHAC organised an Information Sharing Session on 24 May 2007 to help the industry learn from the accidents. The seminar gave the over 200 strong audience an insight into the recent accidents and offered some learning points to prevent such incidents from occurring at their workplaces.

A Model for iReport

To facilitate data collection on accidents and to assist companies to conduct internal investigations, WSH MWSC Workgroup 1 formulated a root cause analysis model for accidents. The incorporation of this model in iReport allows informants and organisations to carry out and report the results of their investigation. In particular, the workgroup recommended that additional information such as personal factors, length of working experience, area condition at the time of accident and possible loss be incorporated into the iReport, and OSHD has agreed to the workgroup’s recommendations. The development of root cause analysis model will also highlight to companies WSH gaps which need to be addressed to prevent similar accidents in future.

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Driving for Lifting Equipment Safety

The WSH MWSC Workgroup 1 and 3 jointly analysed past accident cases from 2001 to 2005 involving lifting equipment and workgroup 3 put forth recommendations to identify and address hazards in operating lifting equipment in this industry.

Towards Safe Operation of Power Presses Upon analysis of past accident statistics in the metalworking industry, the WSH MWSC Workgroup 1 and 3 identified power presses as key contributors to workplace accidents over the years. Based on these findings, initiatives were rolled out to reduce permanent disablement accidents caused by power presses.

These initiatives include recommendations on safety improvements to machines and pro-active engagement of the industry. Work is also in progress to develop guidelines for the safe use for power presses in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The workgroup will also collaborate with manufactures of power presses to improve machine safety.

Raising Standards of Poor Performers

For 2007, the MOM Programme-Based Engagement (ProBE) programme priority areas were identified as Work@Heights, Forklifts, Lifting Equipment and Work in Noisy Environment. The ProBE programme aims to raise the WSH standards in areas with poor safety and health performance. The WSHAC provided support to the industry by engaging and preparing the affected sectors via dialogues and seminars.

Dialogue Session - Work@Heights

The WSHAC organised a series of dialogue sessions with the construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding and ship repairing industries on 12 January 2007, 23 January 2007 and 25 January 2007 respectively, to help them tackle falls from heights. Information shared at the session included safety and health accident statistics, falls from heights accident trends and case studies.

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Dialogue Session - Pre-Cast Industry

The recent boom in the construction sector, coupled with the sector’s high use of pre-cast technologies, has contributed to an alarming increase in the accident rate in this industry. The sector was therefore targeted for an intervention programme.

To assist the industry and highlight the concerns faced by the pre-cast industry, the WSHAC organised a Dialogue Session for ProBE on Pre-Cast Industry on 9 February 2007. Besides accident trends and case studies, tips on best practices were also shared by guest speaker Ms Audrey Perez from Dragages Singapore Pte Ltd with about 200 participants.

ProBE Seminar 2007

The WSHAC and the MOM jointly organised the “Programme-Based Engagement (ProBE) Seminar 2007” on 22 March 2007. Graced by Mr Hawazi Daipi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Manpower, this seminar reached out to an audience of more than 450 participants from various industries in Singapore. The 2006 Incidents Statistic Report as well as ProBE 2007 programmes were shared at this session. In addition, two parallel technical sessions on “Safety while Working at Height” and “Forklift Safety” were conducted after the plenary session as these two areas were identified as critical accident hotspots.

Seminar - Forklift Safety

The WSHAC together with the MOM, jointly organised two seminars on Forklift Safety to help companies understand the risks of working with forklifts. The first run was held on 22 March 2007 and the second run on 11 May 2007.

Materials presented during the seminar included an overview of accident statistics and trends involving forklifts, case studies on accidents involving forklifts and a sharing of best practices in traffic management and forklift safety. A total of 350 participants benefited from the two runs of ProBE forklift seminars.

Seminar - Lifting Equipment

To prepare the industry for the ProBE initiative on lifting equipment and to improve safety in operating lifting equipment, the WSHAC organised a seminar on 26 July 2007. Past accident cases as well as best practices involving lifting operations at the workplace were shared with participants.

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Programme Launch - Noise-Induced Deafness Prevention

Noise-induced deafness (NID) has been Singapore’s top occupational disease for the past three years, accounting for 80% of all occupational diseases last year.

Recognising this, WSHAC and MOM jointly developed a five-year NID Prevention Programme, targeting workplaces with noise hazards in the manufacturing, shipbuilding and ship repairing as well as construction industry, with the aim of reducing the incidence of new NID cases.

The launch of this programme, themed “Music To My Ears” was held at the DBS Auditorium on 21 September 2007. The

launch event saw a turnout of more than 400 participants with performances by home-grown international jazz recording artist, Jacintha Abisheganaden, and testimonies from HearSafe Ambassadors as well as presentations by MOM staff on how to better control noise hazards. Companies with best practices in noise control solutions and technical advisories for the various hotspot areas were also featured.

The launch event was followed by a technical seminar on NID held on 3 December 2007. The seminar, titled “Implementing Hearing Conservation Programme (HCP) at your Workplace” underscored the need to protect one’s sense of hearing and featured presentations by MOM as well as the industry on the five elements in HCP.


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promotions, recognitionand awards

Promotions, Recognition and Awards

Through recognition and reward of the best and their best practices in each sector, the WSHAC aims to spur the WSH efforts within the industry. Large-scale WSH activities and programmes such as the National Workplace Safety and Health Campaign help spread the WSH message to a wider audience and increase support for WSH measures.

A Show of Top Achievers

Jointly organised by the WSHAC, MOM, and the Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES), “The Best in WSH” featured winning companies from the WSH Awards 2006 as well as overseas experts. The one and a half day seminar, held from 22 to 23 November 2006, showcased the best in WSH management systems and practices by companies which have consistently achieved excellent WSH standards.

Workplace Safety and Health Awards

The exemplary performance of 133 companies in WSH was the highlight of the annual WSH Awards 2006 held on 24 November 2006 at Suntec Singapore. The Awards, jointly organised by the WSHAC and MOM to honour the top performers in WSH saw the attendance of about 1,200 participants.

Guest-of-Honour, Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Defence, praised the award recipients for being role models who inspire other organisations to make WSH a priority. He also urged the WSHAC to continue its leadership in raising WSH standards in Singapore.

The WSHAC also launched its official website www.wsh.sg at the awards ceremony. This website serves as an easily accessible platform to enable outreach to all levels from CEOs and senior management and supervisors to workers as well as the community at large. The website is intended to encourage and share best practices, to create WSH awareness and to function as an information centre for events organised by the WSHAC and partners as well as for developments in WSH.

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Another highlight prior to the awards ceremony, was the Innovation for Occupational Safety and Heath Exhibition and Presentation which showcased interesting and innovative exhibits from different sectors.

Celebrating the Best 2007

A total of 108 winners clinched the WSH Awards in 2007 for achieving good WSH performance and putting in place best practices as well as innovative solutions. Two new awards were introduced in 2007. The Safety and Health Award Recognition for Projects (SHARP) was presented to projects or websites that achieved good safety and health performance. The Workplace Safety and Health Officer (WSHO) Awards was presented to 3 WSHOs in recognition of their exemplary performance and valuable contribution to their workplaces and helping to improve overall industry standards through implementation of an effective safety and health management system.

The winners received their awards from Guest of Honour, Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Defence on 12 October 2007.

National WSH Campaign Launch The National WSH Campaign 2007, held from 20 April to 24 May 2007, is a high profile, activity-filled annual affair to promote safety and health at workplaces and is organised in collaboration with MOM. Shine@Work was selected as the theme for the 2007 campaign and served as an apt reminder to all stakeholders – that safety and health at the workplace requires everyone’s involvement.

More than 30 organisations participated in the campaign as partners and helped pack more than 50 events into the campaign calendar. Seminars and workshops were tailored for different stakeholders across all levels. The campaign was publicised nationwide via bus stops and bus ads, billboards, print and radio ads and street lamp banners. A catchy jingle was also done in-house for the campaign which was an instant hit with many judging by the number of downloads from the WSHAC’s website.

2007 WSHAC Report | promotions, recognition and awards

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The campaign kicked off with a roadshow at HDB Hub Mall. Guest-of-Honour Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister of State, Ministry of Manpower, graced the event with Mr Lee Tzu Yang, Chairman, WSHAC. Besides the unveiling of WSH 2015, a new WSHAC programme, aptly named bizSAFE, was launched to help SMEs improve their safety and health standards .

As part of the National WSH Campaign 2007, stakeholders’ commitment to the newly unveiled WSH 2015 strategy was also sought through the WSH 2015 Pledge Drive, which was kicked off at the launch event. Stakeholders, including the government, industry players and tripartite partners - the Singapore Business Federation and the National Trades Union Congress pledged their commitment to WSH 2015 at the special WSH 2015 Pledge Drive.

By the end of the campaign month, 52,560 pledges had been collected and bound into Singapore’s largest book, measuring an impressive 61cm x 85cm x 25cm. The book was unveiled at the Campaign closing ceremony held on 24 May 2007. With this astonishing number of pledges collected, the WSHAC broke two Singapore records - Singapore’s largest book and most number of pledges collected.

Bright Outlook for SHINE

SHINE, the WSHAC’s quarterly newsletter, launched in December 2006, has been well received by the industry and subscriptions have been on the rise. SHINE targets to keep all stakeholders informed and up-to-date on current developments in WSH issues in Singapore.

Spreading the Message to Workers

Workers are an important target audience for WSH messages as they constitute a sizable portion of our workforce, especially in hazardous industries such as construction and shipbuilding and ship repairing. Recognising this, the WSHAC continued to engage workers through its Worker Outreach Programme in 2007. Various road shows such as the Thai Embassy May Day Celebrations were organised to educate and inform workers on key messages on WSH and employment rights and responsibilities. Avenues used for this programme, among others, are foreign worker dormitories and recreational areas such as Little India and Little Thailand.

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Little India Sunday Market Tamil Variety Show

As part of the National WSH Campaign 2007, The Little India Sunday Market was held on 20 May 2007 to reach out to foreign workers. Educational exhibits, game stalls as well as a variety show and skit were used to highlight various issues such as WSH, immigration, Singapore laws and employment conditions.

This event was organised by Singapore Contractors Association Ltd, Rochor Neighbourhood Police Centre, ICA, NEA and MOM and graced by Mr K Karthikeyan, member, WSHAC and co-chairman, WSH Competency, Education and Training Advisory Sub-committee.

Man+Machine Workers’ Poster Drawing Competition

The WSHAC organised the third Worker’s Poster Competition which was targeted at workers to change their perception and behaviour with regards to WSH. Sponsored by Komatsu and themed Man+Machine, the contest was opened to all workers, both Singaporean and foreign. More than 200 entries were received from workers from varied industries. The top three winners Sohel Fakir Rahman Fakir (1st), Daniel Tang Wai Kit (2nd) and Alexander Ronald Raterta Vidal (3rd) were honoured on 26 July 2007 at the Programme-Based Engagement (Lifting Equipment) Seminar.

Promoting WSH Awareness As part of the WSH Construction Advisory Sub-committee’s ongoing efforts to improve safety and health, collaterals and safety posters were created. Two posters were selected to be placed on construction worksite hoardings to serve as a constant reminder to workers as well as other stakeholders to maintain safety and health as a priority at work. The posters were placed on construction worksite hoardings at 18 locations Singapore-wide.

SAFETY@WORK Creative Awards 2008

Jointly organised with Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) in collaboration with MOM, the Safety@Work Creative Awards 2008 showcased local students’ creative talents in advocating the importance of safety at the workplace.

The competition aimed to promote safety at work among the employees and general public and encourage everyone to adopt a safety mindset. The theme for the competition was Safety@Work, with specific focus on Fall Preventions.

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2007 WSHAC Report | promotions, recognition and awards

creating strong ties

Creating Strong Ties

By building strong ties both locally and internationally the WSHAC helps the industry expand capabilities and learn from international and local best practices. Such tie-ups also benefit the WSHAC by providing an alternative avenue to obtain expert comments and opinions on new initiatives and programmes to improve WSH exponentially in Singapore.

Formation of an International Panel of Experts

The inaugural meeting of the International Advisory Panel (IAP) took place from 31 October to 2 November 2006. The IAP comprises six renowned WSH experts with wide-ranging regulatory and industry experience. It was formed to assist MOM and the WSHAC with advice on:

• Trends and developments in industrial practices that could impact WSH in Singapore;• Approaches to WSH challenges adopted in other countries that might guide Singapore WSH development; • WSH standards, practices and the regulatory regime in Singapore.

During their three days’ stay in Singapore, the IAP focused its discussion on the draft National WSH Strategy, WSH 2015 and specific strategies to improve WSH standards in the construction sector. The WSHAC members enjoyed extensive sharing with the IAP and solicited their expert advice on WSHAC’s initiatives.

Key Recommendations of the International Advisory Panel

• Having reliable and broad-based WSH statistics• Positioning the WSHAC as the engine to drive implementation of WSH 2015• Promoting the business case for WSH practices to developers • Putting in place a contractor safety and health scoring system

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Leveraging on Foreign and Local Expertise and Best Practices

Several visits were made by foreign counterparts and experts to Singapore during this period. The WSHAC members also went on study visits abroad. The WSHAC benefited from their invaluable expertise and experience of their foreign counterparts.

Hong Kong Occupational Safety and Health Council

The Chairman, Dr Ng Tat-Iun, and Executive Director, Mr Tang Wah-shing, of Hong Kong’s Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC) visited Singapore from 22 to 24 November 2006 as distinguished guests to the IES-WSHAC-MOM Seminar and thereafter graced the WSH Awards 2006. Dr Ng and Mr Tang shared on Hong Kong’s OSHC’s 18 years of experience in their pursuit to improve WSH at a national level.

Study visit to Korea

In preparation for the formation of the WSH Council, the WSHAC embarked on a study mission to Korea to learn from international developments in WSH. This visit allowed the WSHAC members to learn about positive developments overseas that may be adapted to the local context and to benchmark against international standards. The study trip took place from 19 to 20 November 2007 and included visits to three organisations, namely the Korea Occupational Safety and Healty Agency (KOSHA), the Ministry of Labor in Korea and the Korean Industrial Safety Association (KISA).

2007 WSHAC Report | creating strong ties

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WorkSafe Australia

On the invitation of the WSHAC and the Institute of Engineers, Singapore, Mr Allan Beacom from WorkSafe Australia visited Singapore on 23 November 2007 to share how the construction industry in Victoria State, Australia, achieved zero fatality for one full year in 2005.

With a construction workforce of about 136,000 workers, Victoria’s construction industry is fairly similar in size to Singapore’s construction sector. Mr Beacom shared several points that had contributed to Victoria’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards and how Victoria managed to drive success through active industry involvement to share best practices, set competency standards as well as get employers and workers to cooperate on WSH issues.

Engaging LTA on Safety of Workers

To ensure workers’ safety on their way to their workplace, the WSHAC initiated the

formation of a workgroup to look into the safety of workers transported at the back of goods vehicles. Through this endeavour the WSHAC hopes to help reduce the number of fatal accidents involving workers transported at the back of goods vehicles.

Areas to be assessed by Workgroup on Transport of Workers

• Providing safer modes of transportation for workers without significantly increasing business costs;• Tightening safety regulations and enforcement measures, including penalties for non-compliance;• Providing a network of transport between workers’ dormitories and their workplaces; and• Looking into other transport matters such as the supply and demand of buses.

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Safe Community

The WSHAC, together with the National Safety Council of Singapore (NSCS) and supported by MOM, set up a working committee to bring together active participation from both public and private sectors to initiate the development of safe communities in Singapore. Following the concept of “Safe Community”, a community where people live, work and play safely and healthily, which was originally developed by the World Health Organisation, a working committee was formed in September 2007.

The committee also comprises members from Motorola, Central CDC, grassroots organisations and strategic partners of NSCS. The WSHAC, as a member of the working committee, aligns safe community goals with the WSH 2015 strategy to improve WSH in a more holistic manner.

Maintaining Workplace Safety and Health at Marina Bay

The WSH Construction Advisory Sub-committee has formed a working group comprising stakeholders, including

developers and contractors, involved in the Marina Bay Area project to self-regulate and manage WSH at the site. The workgroup also promotes the benefits of WSH and sharing of WSH information and provides regular updates to MOM and the WSHAC on Marina Bay developments and WSH statistics. In addition, the workgroup will highlight WSH concerns (at design and construction stage) of any development in Marina Bay and share control measures for potential WSH hazards.

Learning from Past Accidents

To give the WSHAC a better understanding of major accidents in order to share learning points with the industry, the WSHAC held dialogue sessions with companies with recent major incidents. In such major incidents, the WSHAC considered it necessary to engage the industry to understand accidents first-hand as well as to show its support to the companies.

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2007 WSHAC Report | creating strong ties

Published in March 2008 by theWorkplace Safety and Health Advisory CommitteeAll rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, in whole or in part, without prior written permission.

This document is available on theWorkplace Safety and Health Advisory Committeewebsite: www.wsh.sg

Copies are also available from:Workplace Safety and Health Advisory Committee Secretariat5 Maxwell Road #20-00 Tower Block MND ComplexSingapore 069110email: [email protected]

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