79 companies taken to task for unsafe crane operation

1. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has taken action against 79 companies following Operation Goldcrest, a special enforcement operation that was conducted from 1 July to 31 August 2014. The enforcement operation targeted the construction industry, with a focus on unsafe lifting practices and crane operations.
2. A total of 80 worksites were inspected by MOM’s Occupational Safety and Health Division, and 194 crane-related contraventions of the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act were uncovered. Of these contraventions, 98 resulted in composition fines that totalled more than $95,000.
3. The other contraventions saw 96 Notices of Non-Compliance¹ issued to companies to warn them against unsafe lifting practices. MOM has also instructed the companies involved to address the findings of inspections and will monitor these efforts closely. The top five contraventions uncovered included:
   
   a. Failure to maintain cranes in good working condition
   
   b. Failure to establish and implement a proper lifting plan
   
   c. Using defective lifting gear or lifting gear that had not been examined by an authorised examiner
   
   d. Failure to implement a proper Permit-To-Work system
   
   e. No indication of the Safe Working Load and lifting machine number on the lifting machine
   
   [Refer to Annex A for details of top five contraventions]
   
   Crane safety remains a top concern
4. While none of the contraventions uncovered during Operation Goldcrest warranted a Stop-Work Order, the type and number of contraventions remain a concern. Er. Ho Siong Hin, MOM’s Commissioner for WSH said, “The crane industry’s practices remain a serious concern. Besides the safe deployment of cranes, crane owners and occupiers have the responsibility to ensure that their cranes and lifting operations do not endanger workers or the public. MOM will take stern action against errant crane companies and occupiers. All occupiers and crane owners ought to put in place robust maintenance regimes and safety systems so that we can put an end to unsafe lifting operations”.
   
   Reporting WSH issues to MOM
5. MOM carries out regular onsite safety inspections island-wide, and members of the public can call the MOM safety hotline at 6317 1111 or email mom_oshd@mom.gov.sg to report WSH issues. All tip-offs will be kept strictly confidential.