MOM records 33% increase in enforcement actions this year – with more yet to come
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has begun imposing harsher penalties against workplaces with poor safety and health performance.
Since June 14, "higher composition fines" have been imposed for offences that were discovered in workplaces during the government inspections.
Channel News Asia reported that the composition fines have been hiked to up to $5,000, a significant increase from the previous $1,000 to $2,000 on average.
MOM said it will also require companies with Stop-Work Orders or with major injuries to engage external auditors for a deeper review.
"These companies will need to rectify any unsafe work practices to prevent a recurrence," said MOM in separate a statement.
Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad referred to these external personnel as "independent safety auditors," who will review the company's practices.
"We are also moving upstream to require firms with major injury incidences, as well as those with fatal injury incidences, to appoint an independent safety auditor to review their practices comprehensively," said Minister Zaqy Mohamad on a Facebook post.
Read more: MOM reveals revised retirement policy
The statements came as MOM carried out workplace inspections across various businesses in Singapore, with 1,400 inspections completed this year alone.
Out of these inspections, 3,300 enforcement actions, including fines and Stop-Work Orders, have been handed to violating workplaces - a 33% increase compared to the same period last year.
According to Zaqy Mohamad, they also plan to put forward the implementation of the Approved Code of Conduct (ACOP) to Q4 2022.
"This facilitates the courts to take into account whether companies heeded guidance set out in the ACOP in deciding judgements and penalties," explained the minister.
"Workplace safety is our collective responsibility. Let's work together to protect the lives and health of our workers."
