Leading Causes of Workplace Accidents Due To Cost-cutting Measures Resulting in Safety Lapses
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the leading causes of workplace accidents since January 2021 and the role of cost-cutting measures in safety lapses, as raised by Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim. Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng identified falls from height and vehicular accidents as primary fatal causes, while slips and machinery-related incidents lead non-fatal accidents. He stated that while pandemic-related cost pressures exist, it is unclear how much they contribute to safety lapses, which the Ministry does not condone. Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng emphasized that the Ministry takes stern action against companies for lapses and that sentencing is ultimately decided by the Courts. The Prosecution supports this process by highlighting aggravating factors and culpability to ensure punishments reflect the severity of harm and current safety trends.
Transcript
28 Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Manpower (a) from January 2021 to date, what are the leading causes of workplace accidents; (b) what role is played by ancillary factors such as cost-cutting measures that result in safety lapses; and (c) what considerations have been given towards heavier punishments to deter such behaviour amongst companies.
Dr Tan See Leng: For the first six months this year, the leading causes of workplace fatal accidents are falls from height and vehicular-related accidents. For non-fatal workplace accidents, the leading causes are slips, trips and falls, and machinery-related accidents. The Ministry regularly publishes reports on workplace accidents and their causes. The next release will be in early October 2021. The Member can look at these published sources for more information.
Investigations into many accidents, including fatal ones, reveal safety lapses such as unguarded openings and open sides, and poor maintenance of heavy machinery. These suggest that adherence to safe work procedures has not been sustained. While the COVID-19 pandemic has led to cost pressures on affected businesses, it is unclear the degree to which this has contributed to safety lapses at the workplace. The Ministry does not condone any actions, cost-cutting or otherwise, that compromises safety. Employers are very clear that the safety of the workers must not be compromised under any circumstances, and the Ministry will not hesitate to take stern action against companies, officers and management for safety lapses.
The severity of the sentence that is imposed on an accused company or individual is, ultimately, a matter for the sentencing Court to decide. The Prosecution assists the Court in its deliberations by: (a) drawing the Court's attention to relevant case law and sentencing guidelines from the High Court, if any; (b) highlighting the aggravating and mitigating factors in the case, including the culpability of the accused and the potential and actual harm; and (c) submitting for an appropriate sentence, in line with the Ministry’s observations on developing trends and areas of safety concern.