The following forum letter was published in the Straits Times on 25 March 2008. It was a response to Mr. Andrew Seow's letter, "Latest crane mishaps: Two accidents too many", which is reproduced below.
Crane mishaps: Site inspections stepped up
Straits Times, Forum
25/03/2008
PLEASE refer to last Tuesday's letter by Mr Andrew Seow, "Latest crane mishaps: Two accidents too many".
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) would like to assure Mr Seow that legislative and educational measures are in place to ensure crane safety.
The Workplace Safety and Health Act requires all contractors to ensure safe operation of cranes at all times. They must ensure, among other things, the following:
Cranes are erected, altered or dismantled only by approved contractors and trained erectors, using methods that are in accordance to the manufacturer's instructions or manual;
Cranes must be thoroughly examined and tested by an authorised examiner before use and through an annual statutory inspection during use; and
Cranes must be operated by qualified crane operators registered with MOM.
Mr Seow has rightly pointed out that the responsibility to ensure safe operation of cranes on a daily basis must rest with crane operators and contractors on the ground. To reinforce this, MOM has stepped up inspections on cranes at construction worksites. Members of the public who witness unsafe work practices should report them to the ministry on 6317-1111.
We will act against companies or individuals who contravene safety and health laws. A conviction under the Workplace Safety and Health Act carries a maximum fine of $500,000 for companies. For individuals, the maximum fine is $200,000 and/or two years' jail.
Jean Tan (Ms)
Director, Corporate Communications
Ministry of Manpower
The following letter was published in the Straits Times forum on 18 March 2008.
Latest crane mishaps: Two accidents too many
The Straits Times
18/03/2008
I REFER to Saturday's report, "Crane topples onto pedestrian walkway".
In the quest to complete as many construction projects as possible, contractors are likely to breach safety rules.
In the latest accident, the crane crashed onto a covered pedestrian walkway and narrowly missed a block of flats. Just last month, three workers died and two were injured when a 60m-tall tower crane toppled at a construction site at the National University of Singapore alumni complex and landed near a bus stop. Fortunately, there were no casualties involving pedestrians or commuters in these two accidents.
One accident like this is one too many. If this trend continues, it will be a matter of time before passers-by are maimed or killed. The latest accident shows the crane could even have crashed onto a block of flats, claiming lives and damaging property.
The Ministry of Manpower should impose heavier penalties on culprits who violate safety regulations. When an accident occurs, the ministry should issue a longer stop-work order against the contractor until he gets it right.
The onus is on crane suppliers and contractors to ensure cranes are safe to operate. To enhance safety, no crane should arrive at a construction site without prior ministry clearance.
Andrew Seow Chwee Guan
