Exposed machine parts, improper storage among safety lapses by metalworking firms
The metalworking sub-sector was responsible for more than a third of fatal and major injuries in Singapore's manufacturing industry in the first half of 2023.
Materials improperly stored on top of pipes at a metalworking firm in Singapore. (Photo: Ministry of Manpower)
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SINGAPORE: Inspections by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in October and November have uncovered numerous safety lapses in metalworking firms.
The ministry said on Thursday (Dec 21) it had been concerned after the metalworking sub-sector industry contributed more than 40 per cent of fatal and major injuries in the manufacturing industry in the first half of 2023.
“In a recently concluded enforcement operation targeting the metalworking sub-sector, we uncovered lapses that showed a lack of workplace safety and health ownership by employers and employees,” said MOM in a Facebook post publishing its findings.
Rotating parts of machinery and blades were also left unguarded, putting workers at risk of serious injuries such as amputation.
Materials and pipes were found to be either improperly stored without storage racks, or that the racks were overloaded.
Vehicle safety was also found to be an area of concern, with some forklifts found to have worn out, with damaged or missing parts.
Ignition keys were also left unattended in industrial vehicles such as forklifts or excavators when the vehicle was not in use.
MOM called on employers to put in place safety measures such as guardrails and machine guards, and to conduct regular maintenance of machines and equipment.
It also advised workers to adhere to safety practices and to refrain from operating machines that they are not trained to use.
The ministry conducted more than 650 inspections between October and November, issuing composition fines totalling S$32,000. It also handed out 498 notices of non-compliance and issued demerit points to 14 metalworking companies.
The demerit point system was expanded from the construction sector to the manufacturing sector in October. A company that chalks up 25 demerit points will be debarred for at least three months and applications for all types of work passes for migrant workers will be rejected by MOM.
