WSH Case Studies -For WSH Professionals

What is WSH Case Studies

WSH Case Studies is a free resources for various groups from management and safety professionals to supervisors and workers for improving WSH practices .

It offers insights to past  accidents that have taken place in Singapore. The case studies not only provide lessons learnt for the industry, but more importantly, they remind us to actively review our current practices and continually find ways to make our workplaces safer. Readers are encouraged to carefully think through each case, review its relevancy and context to specific workplace situations, and incorporate the lessons learnt where appropriate.

Here are some workplace accidents case studies for your review 

1)WSH Case Studies - Chemical Industry

This booklet is divided into various sections according to type of incident for easy reference. The 5M (Mission, Man, Machine and Management, Medium) Model (see Appendix B) is used to analyse the contributing factors of each case. At the end of the booklet is a section on occupational health hazards. Unlike safety hazards, consequences posed by occupational health hazards may not be as obvious and immediate. Adverse health effects may be chronic in nature and can take a long time for the occupational disease to manifest. This section will show innovative approaches used in addressing exposure to occupational health hazards involving noise, ergonomics and chemicals. 

2)WSH Case Studies -Accident Involving Working At Heights

Case Studies of Accidents Involving Working at Heights is the result of collective efforts of Ministry of Manpower and National WAH Safety Taskforce. Past concluded fatal accidents were compiled and categorised according to incident types for ease of reference. Through root cause analysis of these accidents, causes were examined and key learning points shared. The lessons and recommendations within will help you in implementing appropriate WSH measures at your workplaces to prevent work at heights injuries 

3)WSH Case Studies -Working in and around Water

This case studies booklet aims to raise WSH awareness and reiterate the importance of strengthening WSH ownership at all levels. It was developed by the Ministry of Manpower and the WSH Council, with feedback solicited from members of the WSH Council (Marine Industries) Committee, National Maritime Safety at Sea Council, and the MPA-Harbour Craft Safety Working Group. The ten case studies include scenarios like transfer to and from vessels, transport via barges, mooring and diving operations. Each incident will be accompanied by lessons learnt and recommendations.

4)WSH Case Studies -Wood Working

This case studies showcased 3 workplace accident associated with fingers severed by both table saw and circular saw in the Wood Working Industry

5)WSH Case Studies -Fatal Fire in LPG Filling Facility

Workplaces handling LPG and other flammable substances, are reminded to take heed of the learning points and implement effective risk control measures to prevent any similar recurrences.

In summary, the four learning points from the incident are:

1) Protect small-bore pipelines from accidental impact;
2) Provide a master shutdown button for safe and coordinated stoppage of gas filling;
3) Provide fire retardant clothing (FRC) to workers working with flammable substances; and
4) Plan and implement an effective emergency response

6)WSH Case Studies - Fatal Accident Involving Failure of a Tower Crane

This case studies showcased Learning Report involving Failure of Luffing Jib Tower Crane at Kajima Overseas Asia (Singapore) Pte Ltd’s Worksite Located at Tan Tock Seng Link.In summary, the two key learning points from this incident are:

1) Eliminate Risk of Entanglement between Erection Ropes and other Structures; and

2) Ensure Erection Ropes return to their Resting Position.

7)WSH Case Studies - Construction Industry

This compilation of case studies on fatalities in the construction industry depicts how the accidents occurred and provides valuable learning points on how they could have been prevented.

1. Falls from Height

2. Worker Struck by Fall

3. Electrocution

4. Worker Struck by/against Objects/Machines

8)WSH Case Studies - Marine Industry

Every year, more than 300 injuries befall our workers in the marine industry. Some workers who are severely injured face long roads to recovery or suffer from permanent incapacity. Some may never return home to their loved ones. It is our belief that no one should be injured at work. Everyone should go home safely every day, free from harm.

The Committee, comprising of business leaders from the marine sector, has put in a lot of effort to safeguard the workers. Although we have reduced the number of fatalities over the years, such incidents still happen, and sadly, some of these incidents are very similar in nature. Hence, the lessons drawn from these incidents are key to us in preventing the next incident from recurring. That is why we have pooled together our WSH expertise from various companies to compile these case studies.

This booklet is divided into various sections according to incident type for easy reference. The underlying causes of these accidents are carefully examined through root cause analysis. Make full use of this compilation, to share these cases at your company’s training or toolbox meetings on a regular basis and undertake study through each case, review its relevancy and context to specific workplace situations, and incorporate the lessons learnt where appropriate. 

9)WSH Case Studies - Logistics & Transport Industry

FALLS FROM HEIGHT

Case 1 Fall from the top of a stack of steel pipes 

Case 2 Fall from height 

Case 3 Fall from skyloader 

CAUGHT IN BETWEEN OBJECTS

Case 4 Caught between the mast section and cabin of forklift 

Case 5 Crushed in between metal racks 

Case 6 Crushed between prime mover and container 

Case 7 Hand crushed by winding rope 

Case 8 Finger severed by swiftly curling tow line 

STRUCK BY MACHINES

Case 9 Finger severed by closing panel cover 

Case 10 Fingers amputated by bandsaw 

STRUCK BY FALLING OBJECTS

Case 11 Struck by falling metal beams 

STRUCK BY MOVING VEHICLES

Case 12 Pinned to ground by toppling forklift 

Case 13 Struck by side loader 

Case 14 Thrown out of vehicle upon collision 

Case 15 Hit by side loader 

ELECTROCUTION

Case 16 Electrocution 

WORK-RELATED TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

Case 17 Collision between motor bus and motorcycle 

Case 18 Collision between prime mover and motorcycle

10)WSH Case Studies - Metal Working Industry

Machine Operation

Case 1 Aluminium strip pierces a worker’s neck 

Case 2 Worker’s palm gets crushed 

Case 3 Worker’s thumb gets severed 

Machine Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Case 4 Worker pinned by a steel object 

Case 5 Worker gets killed by a steel mesh machine 

Case 6 Worker falls through an opening 

Case 7 Worker’s two fingers get severed 

Case 8 Worker’s two fingers get crushed 

Material Handling

Case 9 Worker killed by a toppling object 

Case 10 Worker’s ring finger gets severed 

Forklift Operation

Case 11 Worker gets pinned under an overturned forklift 

Case 12 Supervisor killed by falling angle bars 

Case 13 Supervisor killed by a collapsing shelter 

Lifting Operation

Case 14 Lorry crane driver gets pinned under H-piles 

Case 15 Worker is pinned between a gantry crane and a building column

Case 16 Worker gets killed by toppled scaffold frames 

Case 17 Worker falls and gets crushed by an electrical distribution box

Case 18 Worker’s fourth finger gets partially amputated 

Case 19 Worker’s middle finger gets partially amputated 

Case 20 Worker loses his left little finger 

Material Storage

Case 21 Store assistant falls off a cantilever rack 

Case 22 Worker is crushed by toppling steel beams 

Case 23 Worker falls from a stack of platform beam trusses 

Other Cases

Case 24 Worker falls from a stepladder 

Case 25 Worker killed by a ruptured pressure receiver 

Case 26 Worker gets electrocuted while removing an extension cord

Case 27 Worker crushed by a toppling stiffener plate 

Case 28 Worker is pinned under a toppled I-beam 

11)WSH Case Studies - Food Manufacturing Industry

Case 1 Worker Found Dead Inside Mixing Tank 

Case 2 Worker Killed during Machine Cleaning 

Case 3 Worker Loses Finger when Working with Band Saw 

Case 4 Worker Struck by Fallen Window Sash 

Case 5 Worker Died after Slip and Fall at Bread Factory 

Case 6 Worker’s Hand Caught in Meat Mincer

 

 

SHMS Audits

Concord Associates Pte Ltd has been providing 3rd Party Independent SHMS audits to all industries since her inception.

As one of the first organisations in Singapore to be a MOM and SAC Approved WSH Auditing Organisation (WSHAO), we have conducted many audits for construction projects, factories, and other industries.

We are also accredited by the National Environment Agency (NEA) to conduct Safety Audits for the handling of hazardous substances.

Our pool of auditors are fully committed in adding value to your esteemed organisation’s QEHS System by providing detailed and informative audit reports based on the following list of audit services:

• Mandatory SHMS Audits (ConSASS / SS 651 / SS 679 / SMS)
  • Construction Worksite
  • Metalworking Industry
  • Shipyard
  • Oil Refinery
  • Petrochemical Plant
  • Semiconductor Wafer Fabrication Plant
  • Chemical Manufacturing Plant
  • Pharmaceutical Plant
  • Bulk Storage Terminal
• Internal ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 / ISO 45001 / SS 651 / SS 577 Audit
• NEA Safety Audit for the Handling of Hazardous Substances
• RM Audit for bizSAFE Level 3 / bizSAFE STAR / Overtime Exemption (OTE)
• Approved Scaffold Contractor (ASC) Lifelong Scheme Audit
• Audit for Awards:
  • Annual Workplace Safety & Health (WSH) Awards
    • WSH Performance Awards (WSHPA)
    • Safety and Health Award Recognition for Projects (SHARP)
    • WSH Risk Management Awards
    • WSH Developer Awards
  • bizSAFE Enterprise Exemplary Award
  • The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) UK Award

Application for Overtime Exemption (OTE)

Under the Employment Act, an employee is not allowed to work for more than 44 hours per week or 12 hours per day, which is equivalent to about 176 hours per month. Beyond the stipulated 176 hours of normal work, 72 hours of overtime work is allowed. Under the law, for any overtime work exceeding 72 hours per month, Application for Overtime Exemption (OTE) has to be submitted for MOM's approval.

We can assist in the endorsement of your organisation's Overtime Exemption Application upon verifying the relevant Risk Assessments and the associated implementations of the work concerned. 

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IMPARTIALITY POLICY

Concord Associates Pte Ltd is the legal entity responsible for auditing activities related to workplace safety and health management systems and risk management systems.

The top management, managers and staff of Concord Associates understand the importance of impartiality in undertaking its auditing activities. Concord Associates will therefore ensure that in all its dealings with clients or potential clients, all employees or other personnel are and will remain impartial. We will not allow commercial, financial or other pressures to compromise our impartiality.

To ensure that impartiality is both maintained and can be demonstrated the following principals have been established.

·         Concord Associates top management is committed to ensure impartiality.

·         All of the personnel of Concord Associates (both internal and external) who could influence the auditing activities always ensure impartially.

·         Concord Associates identifies all risks to its impartiality on an ongoing basis through past records of their personnel e.g. their experience letters etc., including those risks that arise from its auditing activities, from its relationships to any company, or from the relationships of its personnel with the clients. Any proposed risks associated with will undergo a risk assessment by the Auditing Services Committee prior to that relationship being formalized.

·         Concord Associates does offer management system/risk management system consultancy or any other form of consultancy to companies or individuals. To ensure impartiality, we do not offer (and has never offered) auditing services to companies it had management system consultancy in the past two years. Any proposed relationship between Concord Associates and any other company will undergo a risk assessment by the Auditing Services Committee prior to that relationship being formalized.

·         Concord Associates does not have (and will not form) any relationships with companies who offer consultancy, internal audit services or other services that can be construed as having an impact on the auditing services provided by Concord Associates. Any proposed relationship between Concord Associates and any other company will undergo a risk assessment by the Auditing Services Committee prior to that relationship being formalized.

·         Any current relationships with companies, organizations and individuals will be assessed for the risks on regular basis to ensure that the relationship does not impact upon the impartiality of the auditing process. The risk assessment will be reviewed by the Auditing Services Committee.

·         Individuals employed by or otherwise contracted to Concord Associates are required to document and record their current and past relationships with all companies. Any situation past or present which associates to potential conflict of interest is declared by Concord Associates. Concord Associates will use the information to identify any threats to impartiality and will not use that individual in any capacity unless they can demonstrate that there is no conflict of interest. The risk assessment will be reviewed by the Auditing Services Committee.

·         Concord Associates shall only appoint external auditors who are not external auditors of another auditing organisation. Concord Associates promptly inform the Singapore Accreditation Council whenever there is a change of external auditors.

·         Concord Associates ensures that activities of separate legal entities, with which the auditing organisation or the legal entity of which it forms a part has relationships, do not compromise the impartiality of its auditing activities.

·         Concord Associates does not market or offer its activities as linked with the activities of an organization that provides consultancy. Concord Associates does not state or imply that certification would be simpler, easier, faster or less expensive if a specified consultancy organization were used and will take appropriate legal action should any such link be identified.

·         Concord Associates takes appropriate legal action to respond to any risks to its impartiality, arising from the actions of other persons, bodies or organizations, of which it becomes aware.

·         All employees will be reviewed at least annually to ensure that they remain impartial when conducting audits.

·         Concord Associates does not and will not offer any commission, (‘finders fees’ or other inducements) to any individual or company in respect of referrals of clients unless:

o   The terms and conditions of any such referral are clearly established and can be demonstrated and it can also be demonstrated that the fee is for a referral and the fact that a commission has been paid will in no way effect the outcome of an audit.

o   A risk assessment (to establish the potential for an unacceptable threat to impartiality) has been carried out on the process through which any such payment is made to an individual or organisation (normally a consultant) requesting the commission for referrals.

o   All such payments are documented, recorded, and traceable and accompanied by a purchase order and invoice.

·         Concord Associates does not offer specific training to any company in respect of implementing a particular standard for that company. Any training offered by Concord Associates is general in nature and available to all companies or individuals who wish to attend.

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               Audit Procedure:

                                                             

                                                               

Procedure for Complaints received from Audit:

QEHS Training and Consultancy Services

Concord Associates Pte Ltd pool of qualified QEHS personnel have extensive experience with all types of industries from both the private and public sectors. We are committed in assisting our valued clients in meeting their Quality, Environmental, Health and Safety objectives.

Development of Safety & Health Management System (SHMS)

• ISO 45001 / OHSAS 18001
• SS 651 / SS 506
• CP 79
• Provides a structure framework to help identify OHS hazards and risks
• Develop intervention strategies and implement OHS programmes for continual improvement
• Manage OHS risks effectively, comply with relevant legislation, develop positive safety culture and achieve excellence in OHS performance
• Improves productivity through reduction of workplace accidents
• Reduces/prevents downtime or costs related to accidents
• Attaining ISO 45001 / OHSAS 18001 / SS 651 / SS 506 certifications demonstrate an organisation’s commitment to meet OHS best practices and legislations
• It also demonstrates the organisation’s proactive approach to protect the health and safety of the workforce as well as the interest of stakeholders and the community.

Development of Risk Assessment / Management System

• Risk management comprises of risk assessment, communication, and implementation of appropriate control measures and monitoring of its effectiveness.
• Under the WSH (Risk Management) Regulations, every workplace must conduct risk assessment
• Our consultants can advise on the risk assessment methodology, techniques to identify hazards at workplaces, insights on safety and health risks on work activities and other WSH issues.
• We also conduct Risk Management (RM) and Risk Assessment (RA) courses for workers to managers
• Our MOM Approved Risk Consultants (ARC) can assist companies in building in-house capabilities to implement risk management.

Development of ISO 9001 (Quality Management System)

• With the QMS in place and working for you, the organization is focused towards the Quality Goals.
• Management is provided with data on a continual basis and able to see progress or lack of progress towards goals and take appropriate action.
• The organized, scheduled process of conducting Management Review ensures that this evaluation takes place. It provides the mechanism of reviewing goals and performance against goals on a scheduled basis, and for taking action based on the evaluation.
• A company that is certified ISO 9001 will benefit from an efficient quality management system that will save time and cost, improve efficiency and ultimately improve customer relationships.

Development of ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System)

• Development of ISIt aims to put environmental management at the heart and soul of your operations in working towards sustainable success.
• This system provides a systematic and proactive approach to managing environmental issues for organisations whose products and services have an impact on the environment.
• Certified ISO 14001 organisations also enjoy dollar savings as a result of enhanced efficiency in the use of energy and water resources, effective management of wastes, legislative compliance, eco-friendly environment, social care and customer satisfaction.O 14001 (Environmental Management System)

Development of SS 577 (Water Efficiency Management System)

• Developed by the Public Utilities Board, SPRING Singapore and industry stakeholders, the standard aims to provide a set of framework and guidelines, as well as suggested tools and best practices, for water users to adopt to make improvements to their water usage and efficiency.
• The requirements of water usage, monitoring, measurement, documentation and reporting, design and procurement practices for equipment, systems, processes and personnel that contribute to water efficiency are spelt out.
• The standard thereby assists organisations to prepare their Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP).
• Companies that are certified SS 577 recognise the impact and savings of water usage, show responsibility in water usage accountability and also demonstrate their commitment to continually enhance their water usage and efficiency.
• Funding of up to 70% is available for companies interested to apply for the SS 577 Certification.
• Our notable clients include the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources and Parkway Parade (Management Corporation Strata Title No. 1008).

Development of Legal Register

• We can assist to develop and maintain EHS legal register for our clients that are customised to their industry upon consultation with client.
• An update-to-date legal register is an effective means to ensure that applicable EHS legal requirements are easily documented and communicated to relevant personnel within an organisation.

Emergency Response Planning

• Some organisations are required to establish the Emergency Response Plan to respond and manage crisis and emergency situations.
• We will customise and develop a Emergency Response Plan to be adopted by the organisation upon studying of the organisation’s structure, industry and requirements.

Expert Witness and Incident Investigation

• Incidents, near-misses and accidents cannot be overlooked and must be investigated.
• Our team of experts will analyse the facts of the incidents to determine their causes, thereby allowing the organisation to learn from them and prevent future occurrences of similar incidents.

Business Under Surveillance (BUS) Programme

• The Business Under Surveillance (BUS) Programme is a systemic intervention tool to assist weaker WSH performing companies to focus on developing and implementing a robust safety and health management system to improve their WSH performance.
• We will assist companies in identifying systemic lapses to develop an action plan as per MOM requirement
• During the implementation stage, we will assist the companies in their corporate and site(s) WSHMS enhancement through WSH review, inspections and trainings.

WSH Research Projects / Perception Study

• We can help to plan and gather information on a WSH topic that is pertinent to your organisation’s need.
• Through the research, we will monitor the WSH issue concerned to study the causes, effects, recommendations and others related to the WSH topic.

Environmental Sanitation Regime

• From mid-2021 onwards, baseline environmental sanitation standards will be made mandatory for specified premises, starting with higher-risk premises with immuno-vulnerable occupants and/or high footfall such as preschools, schools, youth facilities and eldercare facilities followed by hawker centres and coffeeshops. 

• The ES regime builds on existing hygiene and sanitation measures already practised by the various sectors and premises; and aims to move towards a co-regulatory approach where all stakeholders take accountability and ownership of the environmental sanitation standards within their respective premises.
• We can help to develop and implement an environmental sanitation programme.
• We can provide Part-Time or Full-Time Environmental Control Coordinator to companies to assist in maintenance and implementation of environmental sanitation programmes.

bizSAFE Programme

 

bizSAFE is a national program launched by the Workplace Safety & Health (WSH) Council with the strong support from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The objective of the bizSAFE program is to raise the WSH standard of all workplace in Singapore by involving the participation of all stakeholders in each and every industry.

bizSAFE is a five-step voluntary program designed to support the key principles of the WSH Act which are to reduce risks at source, increase industry stakeholders’ ownership and to focus on achieving good WSH outcomes and systems rather than complying with prescriptive requirements. Companies in the bizSAFE community can proudly display the bizSAFE logo on their business collaterals (e.g. letterheads, name cards, etc.) as a reflection of their commitment to WSH whereby these companies have implemented good safety and health controls. The most important asset of a company is its people and thus ensuring their safety and health should be the topmost responsibility of the management team. It is also a legal obligation to do so. Benefits include achieving a safe and healthy workforce, increase in business opportunity and others. Concord Associates Pte Ltd (CAPL) is a bizSAFE Service Provider approved by the WSH Council and we are most pleased to offer our professional services for your company in achieving bizSAFE Enterprise Recognition.

Level	Requirements	Services
	To achieve bizSAFE STAR, your enterprise must obtain SS 506 Certification issued by SAC accredited certification bodies OR OHSAS 18001 or other equivalent certification accompanied by a RM Implementation Audit Report by MOM Approved WSH Auditor.	We provide ISO 45001, OHSAS 18001 and SS 506 consultancy and RM Audit services. Click here to contact us for more details.
	Your enterprise must select a Workplace Safety and Health Management System (WSHMS) Programme Lead to attend "Develop a WSHMS Implementation Plan" Course under WSQ Programme. With the acquired knowledge, the WSHMS Programme Lead must be able to develop a WSH Implementation Plan for your enterprise. After completing the WSHMS Plan, your enterprise may apply for bizSAFE Level 4 status.	We provide "Develop a WSHMS Implementation Plan" Course under WSQ Programme. SDUs Awarded: 30 Points Click here to view our course schedule.
	Your enterprise must engage an approved independent auditor to assess its RM implementation. Your enterprise will then be recognised as bizSAFE Level 3 upon fulfilling the requirements.	We provide Risk Management consultancy and bizSAFE Level 3 Audit services. Click here to contact us for more details.
	Your enterprise must nominate a Risk Management (RM) Champion to attend "Develop a Risk Management Implementation Plan" Course under Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) Programme. At the end of the course, your RM Champion must chart out a RM Implementation Plan. Your enterprise will then be promoted to bizSAFE Level 2.	We provide "Develop a Risk Management Implementation Plan" Course under WSQ Programme. Click here to view our course schedule.
	To attend the bizSAFE Workshop for CEO / Top Management. Upon completion of the workshop, your company will be granted bizSAFE Level 1 status.	We provide bizSAFE Level 1 Training. Click here to view our course schedule.

Design for Safety

The WSH (Design for Safety) Regulations has been gazetted and published on 10 July 2015 and has been in operation since 1 August 2016.

The key provisions of the proposed WSH (DfS) Regulations are:

 

1. To place duties on developers and designers

The proposed Regulations will place duties on developers and designers to identify and address foreseeable risks throughout the lifecycle of a construction project. Where risks cannot be mitigated by design interventions, it will have to be communicated to those involved in the construction project.

 

2. To require implementation of a DfS review process throughout every phase of the construction project

The implementation of a DfS review process throughout every phase of the construction project (or whenever design changes are made) would ensure that risks in the design are highlighted and managed in a systematic and coordinated way. By making it a mandatory requirement, we can ensure that time and resources are set aside to address the WSH risks at the design and planning stage.

 

3. To require a DfS register for all construction projects

To ensure vital information is communicated downstream, the regulations will require proper record keeping of WSH risk for future reference via a DfS register. The DfS register will record (i) safety and health issues identified during the design reviews and actions taken; and (ii) risks that cannot be removed through design changes. The DfS register should be a live document which will be updated as and when new WSH risks are identified.

 

4. To allow developers to appoint a DfS professional

Developers have the option to discharge their duties, such as the facilitation of the DfS review process and the preparation of a DfS register, to a DfS professional. Nonetheless, to ensure that developers take responsibility for the risks they create, they would have to make arrangements to ensure that the DfS professional carries out his assigned duties with due diligence.

 

5. To mandate it for projects with contract value of $10 million and above 

For a start, the Regulations apply only to projects with contract value of $10 million and above. Over the last two years, about 80% of fatal accidents and dangerous occurrences in the construction industry were contributed by projects with contract value of $10 million and above.

The above information is abstracted from www.wshc.sg. 

Here is the WSH guidelines -Design for safety from Workplace Safety and Health Council for your use

What is WSH Guidelines

WSH Guidelines showcased workplace safety and health best practices and WSH program for controlling workplace hazards and improving occupational health for various industry and program 

Check out the free WSH Guideline -Design for Safety to improve your organization WSH practices. For the latest WSH Guidelines update, refer to Singapore Workplace Safety and Health Council Website.

WSH Guideline -Design for Safety Scope

The Workplace Safety and Health (DfS) Regulations 2015 require stakeholders such as Developers, Designers and Contractors to work together at the earliest opportunity from the planning and design phases onwards, to identify and eliminate or reduce all foreseeable risks to an Affected Person’s safety

or health throughout the life cycle of a structure being designed, from its construction, operation and maintenance, until its demolition. The Regulations aim to:

• Place responsibility of the safety and health of workers in the construction industry on those who create the risks;

• Achieve sustained workplace safety and health (WSH) improvements through better coordination amongst all stakeholders by managing the WSH risks upstream at the design and planning phase; and

• Improve the planning and effectiveness of the management of safety and health risks throughout every phase of the construction project, i.e. from design and construction stages through to the maintenance of the completed building.

The Regulations also aims to direct stakeholders to work together and perform their DfS duties, and promote safe execution of construction and maintenance works so that structures can be safe workplaces. 

How can Concord Associates Pte Ltd help your organisation in Design for Safety (DfS)?

 

To find out further on how we can help you, kindly email to us at marketing@concordassociates.com.sg or call us at 65155248.

 

ISO 45001 Certification -WSH

ISO 45001:2018 - Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems (OHSMS)

Over 7 600 people die each day from work-related accidents or diseases - that’s over 2.78 million every year.

 

The burden of occupational injuries and diseases is significant, both for employers and the wider economy, resulting in losses from early retirements, staff absence and rising insurance premiums.

 

To combat the problem, ISO has developed a new standard, ISO 45001, Occupational health and safety management systems - Requirements, that will help organizations reduce this burden by providing a framework to improve employee safety, reduce workplace risks and create better, safer working conditions, all over the world.

 

ISO 45001:2018 specifies requirements for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system, and gives guidance for its use, to enable organizations to provide safe and healthy workplaces by preventing work-related injury and ill health, as well as by proactively improving its OH&S performance.

 

ISO 45001:2018 is applicable to any organization that wishes to establish, implement and maintain an OH&S management system to improve occupational health and safety, eliminate hazards and minimize OH&S risks (including system deficiencies), take advantage of OH&S opportunities, and address OH&S management system nonconformities associated with its activities.

 

ISO 45001:2018 helps an organization to achieve the intended outcomes of its OH&S management system. Consistent with the organization's OH&S policy, the intended outcomes of an OH&S management system include:

 

a) continual improvement of OH&S performance;

b) fulfilment of legal requirements and other requirements;

c) achievement of OH&S objectives.

 

ISO 45001:2018 is applicable to any organization regardless of its size, type and activities. It is applicable to the OH&S risks under the organization's control, taking into account factors such as the context in which the organization operates and the needs and expectations of its workers and other interested parties.

 

ISO 45001:2018 does not state specific criteria for OH&S performance, nor is it prescriptive about the design of an OH&S management system. ISO 45001:2018 enables an organization, through its OH&S management system, to integrate other aspects of health and safety, such as worker wellness/wellbeing.

 

ISO 45001:2018 does not address issues such as product safety, property damage or environmental impacts, beyond the risks to workers and other relevant interested parties.

 

ISO 45001:2018 can be used in whole or in part to systematically improve occupational health and safety management. However, claims of conformity to this document are not acceptable unless all its requirements are incorporated into an organization's OH&S management system and fulfilled without exclusion.

 

The above information is abstracted from International Organization for Standardization (www.iso.org). 

 

How can Concord Associates Pte Ltd help your organisation in the development and certification of ISO 45001, or, in the migration / transition of your OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001?

 

With our team of expert consultants, we will conduct an initial gap analysis in your safety & health management system. Thereafter, we will provide the necessary consultancy services such as development, internal audits, implementation assistance etc as well as closure of findings after the certification audits, to help your company achieve ISO 45001. 

Trainings will also be conducted, to enhance the competency within your staff for effective implementation of ISO 45001.

 

If your company is currently OHSAS 18001 certified, we will strongly recommend your staff to attend our migration course. 

To find out further on how we can help you, kindly email to us at marketing@concordassociates.com.sg or call us at 65155248.

Employment Pass Qualifications Authentic

S'pore companies must ensure Employment Pass applicants' qualifications authentic: MOM

From Sep 1, Companies in Singapore must verify educational qualifications of Employment Pass applicants from Sep. 1, 2023.

Employers who wish to hire foreigners on EP will be required to ensure that candidates' academic qualifications are authentic.

The EP allows foreign professionals, managers and executives to work in Singapore. Candidates need to earn at least S$5,000 a month.

Employers must also demonstrate that they have fairly considered all jobseekers.

Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng said in his speech on Mar. 1 during the Committee of Supply (COS) debates that the requirement is to “safeguard against gaming by submitting fraudulent educational qualifications”.

Employers who wish to score points under Criterion Two on “Qualifications” will be required to submit verification proof for qualifications declared on the EP application.

In 2021, 15 work pass holders were investigated by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for potentially submitting fake university degrees.

Done via COMPASS points system

This will be enforced through the new points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) which will be applied to incoming EP applications from September 2023.

This was announced in MOM's COS debate in 2022 and the ministry has been progressively releasing details on the framework's foundational criteria.

The COMPASS framework will also apply to renewal EP applications from September 2024.

Under the COMPASS framework, applicants can score up to 20 points on the "Qualifications" criterion (Criterion Two).

To ensure the qualifications submitted are authentic and to prevent the submission of fraudulent qualifications, employers are required to verify candidates’ educational qualifications declared in their EP application to score points under the criterion.

More details will be made available on the MOM website when the framework is rolled out.

Mandatory verification will "safeguard against gaming by submitting fraudulent educational qualifications", he said during his ministry’s Committee of Supply debate.

Last October, a man was sentenced to seven weeks' jail after making false statements in his declaration for an EP. His EP was approved based on the false statements that were made in February 2019.

In 2021, MOM investigated 23 foreigners who had declared qualifications from Manav Bharti University in India. Two people were jailed for submitting false qualifications in their work pass applications, while 19 were permanently barred from working in Singapore.

The probe in Singapore began after MOM was alerted that India's government was investigating the university for selling fake degrees.