Stop Work Order imposed on Synergy-Biz Pte Ltd

On 25 Aug 2022, a fatal accident occurred involving a lorry driver employed by Synergy-Biz Pte Ltd. The driver was run over by a forklift while he was securing it onto a lorry for transportation.

Separately, MOM inspected Synergy-Biz's premises on 26 August 2022, and found multiple unsafe conditions that can pose imminent danger to workers. 

Synergy-Biz was issued with a Stop Work Order. This means Synergy-Biz needs to cease all work activities until rectification actions are completed. Synergy-Biz was also issued a $6,000 composition fine for the infringements.

“MOM’s inspections found that many of the safety lapses which put our workers in danger could have been easily rectified. It is important that management and our workers take safety very seriously. During this period of heightened safety, we have stepped up inspections and taken action against companies that have fallen short on safety. At the same time, to help firms, MOM continues to stand ready to support companies to enhance their safety practices and procedures through the StartSAFE programme. We will subsidise our StartSAFE efforts for SMEs to ensure no company or worker gets left behind in our safety efforts. Let’s work together to strengthen our culture of safety first.” - 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

Several electrical casing and wiring were found to be not properly insulated and in poor condition.

It is important for every electrical installation to be properly maintained and in good condition, to protect workers from the risk of electrocution.

Open sides at the storage area were not barricaded nor guarded, and the materials were stored haphazardly. 

Effective guard-rails or barriers should be provided to prevent falls at the open sides of the storage area. Safe means of access and egress should also be provided for the storage area.

Heavy machineries like the excavators were found to have expired lifting machines registration.

All lifting machines, lifting appliances and lifting gears must be examined by an Authorised Examiner and registered with MOM before use.

Several excavators were found with their ignition keys inserted in the ignition switches and left unattended.

Proper management and control of the key access should be put in place to prevent unauthorised and untrained persons from operating the machines.

Diesel storage tanks were found with no labels and warning signs. Fire extinguishers were also not in working condition (zero pressure).

All containers containing hazardous substances should be properly labelled and affixed with warning signs that adhered to the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemical requirements. Fire extinguishers must be in good working condition and examined by trained personnel. 

There were inadequate risk assessment and safe work procedures established for loading/unloading, securing, transporting of excavator on the low bed trailer with prime mover.

Risk assessment should be conducted before work commences to identify, evaluate and control the risks involved in the work activities and environment.