Stop-Work Order imposed on Soon Bee Huat Trading Pte Ltd and DA Engineering Pte Ltd
Multiple unsafe conditions were found at Soon Bee Huat Trading Pte Ltd on 23 June 2022 and DA Engineering Pte Ltd on 16 August 2022. They include:
- Unauthorised personnel operating heavy machinery
- Unguarded machines
- Overloaded storage racks
- Lack of proper housekeeping
Both companies were issued with Stop Work Orders and composition fines amounting to $15,000 and $8,000 respectively.
“Unsafe work conditions are accidents waiting to happen. With the launch of the Code of Practice on Chief Executives and Board of Directors’ WSH Duties, we want safety culture and workplaces to be led by company leadership. They must take greater ownership of workplace safety, and be held accountable for poor conditions or practices. At the same time, workers must keep up to date with the latest safety developments and follow safety procedures too. Anyone who comes across any unsafe workplace practices should report them to MOM. Safety must be everyone’s priority, every single day.” - Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Senior Minister of State for Manpower
Take a look at some of our findings. To report unsafe work practices, please visit mom.gov.sg/report-wsh-issues or call 6438 5122.
#saferworkplaces #safetyfirst #HeightenedSafety
This worker was not authorised to operate the forklift. He was not wearing a seatbelt or safety shoes during the forklift operation.
Only persons with the necessary training and license can operate a forklift.
The operator should also attend refresher training once every three years to keep abreast of the safety requirement and operational knowledge.
Photo taken at Soon Bee Huat Trading Pte Ltd
Goods were stored on self-fabricated storage racks that had exceeded the load capacity. The storage racks were rusty, and in poor condition.
It is essential for goods that are stored on storage racks to be within the designated load capacities. If not, the storage racks could collapse and injure workers.
Storage racks must also be properly maintained to prevent compromising on the load capacity due to physical damages.
Photo taken at Soon Bee Huat Trading Pte Ltd
These wooden crates were at risk of toppling onto persons at work.
All goods that are stored, stacked, or placed in the workplace should be placed on even ground, with pallets in good condition, Goods must also be properly secured to prevent them from toppling or collapsing.
Photo taken at Soon Bee Huat Trading Pte Ltd
Goods and articles in the warehouse were not neatly stored.
They should be stored in a manner which will not obstruct any passageway or traffic lanes in the workplace.
Proper means of access and emergency escape paths should also be effectively demarcated.
Photo taken at Soon Bee Huat Trading Pte Ltd
Rotating chains of the crusher machine were unguarded. This exposes workers to hazards such as cuts or getting crushed and entangled by the machine.
A machine’s moving parts can be isolated using guards to reduce the risks of accidental contact.
Photo taken at DA Engineering Pte Ltd
Slips, trips and falls are by far the most common cause of workplace injuries. This pathway leading to the machine operator’s panel was obstructed with materials, making it inaccessible.
Walkways must be kept clear of materials with no obstruction. Clear instructions should also be given to workers on how to access their work areas.
Photo taken at DA Engineering Pte Ltd
The welding machine cable was frayed and loose. Such cables should be replaced as exposed wires and damaged cables can cause electric shocks and fires.
Prior to commencing operations, workers should check for damaged wires and replace them before use.
Photo taken at DA Engineering Pte Ltd
A jubilee clip was used as a hose clamping device for equipment that relies on combustion of oxygen and fuel gas. This should not have been done, as it could cause gas leaks due to under-tightened (loosened connections) or over-tightened conditions (cutting into the hose).
Ear clamp should be used, and it is good practice to inspect and test the gas hoses regularly for leaks, external burns and other defects.
Photo taken at DA Engineering Pte Ltd