On Sep 8, we ran a video showing a worker entering a flooded manhole without any safety device and asked whether there was any breach of work safety rules. (click here – http://theonlinecitizen.com/2010/09/is-this-a-violation-of-worksite-safety-rules/)
The Ministry of Manpower responded today with the following letter.
Dear Mr Loh,
We thank you for your useful feedback on 8 Sep 2010. We take the matter seriously and have investigated the case with due consideration for future improvement purposes. The matter was also concurrently brought to the attention of PUB.
We have identified some systemic lapses for the said work and appropriate actions will be taken against the contractor. Despite the impromptu nature and the urgency of the repair work, the contractor has committed to put in other reasonably practicable measures for similar works in the future.
Please contact me at ******** if you need clarifications.
Warmest regards,
Leem Seng Kok
Manager,Ops Planning
Occupational Safety & Health Division. Ministry of Manpower.
——–
“Mr Loh” refers to TOC’s Chief Editor, Andrew Loh, who emailed MOM for its response to the incident.
TOC has replied to the letter asking exactly what sort of ‘appropriate actions’ will be taken. We will update this page as soon as MOM responds.
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PAP’s vocabulary: “lapses”
There is rampant lack of consideration for the basic health of these lowly paid foreign workers
- drilling without ear protection!
- threats to be sent home if too many MCs, resulting in sick workers risking their health and lives!
Employers are treated with royalty!
These lowly paid lowly educated foreign workers are dispensable!
This is a despicable country that is built on $$ with not an ounze of compassion!
Dear FcukPAP:
You said: “This is a despicable country that is built on $$ with not an ounze of compassion!”
I agree with you. It’s sad that SG, in its pursuit of money, lacks care and compassion for fellow human beings. I hope that SG will be more caring and compassionate towards the sick, young, aged and deprieved
i really luv officialdom’s reactive approach to safety breaches, “please contact me at ******** if you need clarification”.
the right way to do it is to record clips or take pics of questionable practises & post them for netizens to see, ponder & comment.
if there is no clip, people wouldn’t have come to know about it & most likely this incident be swept under the rug.
“Despite the impromptu nature and the urgency of the repair work, the contractor has committed to put in other reasonably practicable measures…”
Dear MOM spokesperson,
If this was your son or father in that manhole, would your response be the same?