MOM steps up inspections on crane operations following accidents

SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has launched an island-wide enforcement operation targeting crane and lifting operations following a spate of accidents early this year.

MOM said in a statement Wednesday that while there were no fatalities in the seven accidents that occurred at construction sites early this year, it expressed concern about the possible catastrophic impact.

""I am dismayed that we recently saw six accidents involving cranes in less than three weeks," MOM's Director of Occupational Safety and Health Inspectorate, Mr. Chan Yew Kwong said. "This is totally unacceptable."

"Employers and occupiers ought to play their part in taking the necessary preventive measures to put an end to unsafe lifting operations," he added.

Under the Workplace Safety and Health Act, companies that fail to take reasonably practicable measures to ensure the safety and health of their workers can be fined up to $500,000 for a first offence.

grongloh@sph.com.sg