"MOM will ensure that errant companies take full responsibility for endangering workers' lives"
A cleaning company in Singapore was Tuesday (24 September) fined $190,000 for a fatal workplace accident.
Sin Eng Cleaning Services Pte Ltd was found guilty for failing to take adequate safety measure to ensure the safety of its employee, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
The foreign worker sustained injuries while performing tree cutting work and eventually confirmed dead on site.
MOM’s investigations revealed that Sin Eng failed to conduct an adequate risk assessment and establish safe work procedures for tree removal and cutting work activities.
The workers were thus left to decide how to complete their task on their own, according to MOM.
In addition, Sin Eng failed to develop procedures for dealing with emergencies that might arise during tree cutting activities.
The victim was the only certified professional on site, and when the accident happened, his co-workers were not capable or equipped to help save him.
“The employer has severely compromised the safety of its workers by failing to identify and address the risks associated with the cutting of trees,” said Sebastian Tan, Director of Occupational Safety and Health Inspectorate at MOM.
“This process of risk management was especially critical given that there was a change in work method.
“The accident could have been prevented if the employer had reviewed their risk assessment, implemented control measures for the new work method and communicated these measures to its workers.
“MOM will ensure that errant companies take full responsibility for endangering workers’ lives.”
