SAFETY IN USE OF CRANES AT CONSTRUCTION SITES

SAFETY IN USE OF CRANES AT CONSTRUCTION SITES: The following Question stood in the name of Mdm Halimah Yacob

-: **** 1. To ask the Minister for Manpower whether his Ministry will consider enhancing safety in the use of cranes at construction sites, including reviewing the Factories (Operations of Cranes) Regulations in view of the massive construction works going on and the recent fatal accident at NUS when a crane toppled over and killed three workers.

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Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo (East Coast): Question No. 1, Sir.

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Manpower (Mr Hawazi Daipi):

(for the Minister for Manpower): Sir, there are already stringent requirements in place to minimise the risks involved in the use of cranes. Under the WSH (General Provisions) Regulations, all cranes, especially their foundation supports, must be regularly tested and certified by Professional Engineers before they can be erected and used. These requirements are in line with international best practices. The Factories (Operation of Crane) Regulations further stipulate that only crane contractors approved by MOM can erect, install, dismantle or repair cranes. Crane operators must also be authorised by MOM. In addition, MOM requires contractors to appoint dedicated personnel, such as lifting supervisors, riggers and signalmen, to supervise all lifting works involving cranes. There are also approved codes of practice outlining the safe use of various types of cranes.

Since the collapse of the tower crane at NUS, MOM has stepped up efforts to remind the construction industry about the safe use of cranes, especially the need to inspect the cranes before use and the measures for safe operation. Inspections of tower cranes have also been stepped up. To complement the Ministry's efforts, the Workplace Safety and Health Advisory Committee has shared the findings from other crane accidents with over 200 crane owners and other industry stakeholders. It is also developing a checklist to help construction industry stakeholders better address safety issues with crane suppliers and maintenance companies.

Investigations into the NUS accident are still on-going. MOM will take on board any relevant findings and review the regulations if there is a need.