Ministry investigating, praises Forum writer for civic-mindedness
- The Straits Times, 10 April 2012
1. We would like to thank Mr Cheong Tiong Hua for his civic mindedness in reporting this incident "High Risk: Maids not the only ones" (ST, Forum, 4 April 2012). The Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) Occupational Safety & Health inspectors are currently investigating. We take a serious view of workplace safety, especially work-at-heights. If we uncover any contraventions under the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act, appropriate action will be taken against the responsible party.
2. For such painting work, a safer method such as working from a certified suspended scaffold could have been utilised. MOM strongly reminds all employers that they have a duty to take reasonable practicable measures to ensure the safety and health of their employees at work.
3. Members of the public and workers who spot unsafe work practices at their workplace should report the incident to their management or call the MOM safety hotline at 6317-1111.
High Risk: Maids not the only ones
- The Straits Times, 04 April 2012
Maids are not the only ones doing dangerous work in high-rise blocks. Last Friday, I saw a worker (photo) standing on a sloping balcony on a high floor painting the exterior walls at Toh Yi Garden Estate in Jalan Jurong Kechil. He was not wearing a safety harness.
I am shocked that his contractor allowed him to do the job the way he did. It is a fatal accident waiting to happen.