Number of Slip and Fall Workplace Accidents in Kitchens and Food Preparation Areas

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the number of cases of slip and fall workplace accidents that happened in kitchens and food preparation areas in the past two years; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider including a workplace safety and health module as part of the food hygiene course for food operators and kitchen assistants.

Mr Lim Swee Say: In 2015 and 2016, there were 96 and 92 cases of slips, trips and falls accidents in kitchens and food preparation areas. One of them resulted in a fatality while workers in the remaining cases sustained minor injuries. These cases represent approximately 3% of all the slips, trips, and falls cases due to workplace accidents in Singapore.

The Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council is working with the National Environment Agency (NEA) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) to include a topic on kitchen safety in the revised WSQ Basic Food Hygiene Course and Food Hygiene Officer Course by the end of this year.The additional topic would include case studies on the common safety and health hazards encountered in kitchens.

In addition, educational materials, such as guidelines, safety posters, and an Activity-Based-Checklist for slips, trips and falls, are available on the WSH Council website to help companies put in place safety measures to reduce slips, trips, and falls in kitchen and food preparation areas. The Council and tripartite partners will continue to work closely together to promote awareness of good safety practices in kitchen and food preparation areas.