HDB WORKSITES (Safety measures)

The following Question stood on the Order Paper -

Mr Philip Tan Tee Yong: To ask the Minister for National Development (a) what safety measures are enforced at the Housing and Development Board worksites; and (b) whether the HDB worksites are safe.

Dr Koh Lip Lin: Question No. 2, Sir.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the HDB requires its contractors to take stringent safety measures at all its worksites. These include the erection of barricades, working platforms, overhead shelters and the use of metal scaffolds and anti-fall safety nets. Contractors are also required to provide proper fencing to prevent trespassing. In addition, site safety committees which comprise the Board's Safety Officers and the contractors are set up to look into the safety of the workers. All construction workers are also required to attend safety orientation courses conducted by the National Productivity Board. To ensure compliance of these safety standards, the Board's Safety Officers conduct safety inspections of all worksites on a weekly basis.

HDB worksites are very safe. Accident records kept by HDB show that the safety of its worksites is comparable to those of developed countries, such as Japan and the UK.

Mr Chiam See Tong (Potong Pasir): Sir, is it true that HDB workers work seven days a week, including Sundays, whereas workers at private developer's sites do not work on Sundays?

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, HDB does not restrict the contractors' working days. If the contractors choose to work seven days a week, thereby speeding up the construction and reducing their construction cost, HDB will not stop them from doing so.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Does the Minister not consider working seven days a week non-stop will enhance the danger hazards to workers?

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, from HDB records, this assumption is untrue.