The Ministry of Manpower is targeting ‘danger zones’ amid the rise in fatalities
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is preparing to increase the frequency of inspections in workplace “danger zones” amid the rise in fatalities. The agency said it will conduct 400 inspections as part of Operation Ibis.
The MOM will perform additional safety checks across the manufacturing and construction industries between May and June. The manufacturing sector, in particular, recorded six deaths in 2020, up from four in the previous year.
In the same period, the industry saw more than 2,400 non-fatal accidents; of which 110 were classified as major. A total of 48 workers also suffered the loss (or partial loss) of limbs as a result of workplace hazards.
“This is too high. Each limb that’s lost is a rice bowl being impacted or hurt,” said Zaqy Mohamad, senior minister of state in the MOM. “We must give a lot more focus on the manufacturing sector and how we can improve safety.”
With most workplace mishaps involving the misuse of machinery (30%), the minister is advocating for businesses to train their workers more effectively when it comes to operating and maintaining machines. “Companies need to step up their safety efforts, especially in machinery safety,” he said.
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In February, for example, two people were killed after they were purportedly assigned to handle heavy equipment which they were not trained to operate. The fatalities serve as “reminders of why safety is important, and why we must safeguard our workers,” Zaqy said.
The Workplace Safety and Health Council recently published new guidance on keeping machine operations safe. “Accident prevention cannot be achieved through enforcement efforts alone,” the minister said.
“Employers and employees need to play their part too, and take greater ownership of safety at their workplaces. I urge companies to take the time before Ops Ibis begins to conduct proper risk assessments and review their work processes.”
