07.03.2008

Singapore to introduce crane safety measures

Singapore’s Workplace Safety and Health Advisory Committee (WSHAC), is introducing new measures to raise safety standards of crane operations Following the tower crane collapse on 22 February that resulted in three deaths.
See Tower cranes collapses in Singapore

The Committee visited the job site the day after the accident and met with the senior management of the contractor Kimly Construction to learn more about the accident.

WSHAC chairman Lee Tzu Yang said: “With the increase in the number of construction projects, crane usage is high as many of the sites require cranes for lifting activities. In densely built-up Singapore, it is critical for crane operations to be carried out safely, as they may potentially affect not only workers, but also public areas and the public-at-large.”

An initial measure has been to encourage information sharing, to this end a seminar was held on the 26th February to share learning on crane accidents. More than 200 delegates from the construction industry as well as crane owners attended the session to learn about safe lifting operations.

A second session is being organised for later this month after the WSHAC releases the 2007 safety and health statistics.

The WSHAC has also reminded all stakeholders to be mindful on the safe erection of cranes by authorised personnel, in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and instructions. In addition it has restated the requirement for regular checks on the condition of the cranes as well as develop and follow proper lifting plans for the cranes use.

The WSHAC is also develop a checklist to help contractors work better with crane suppliers and maintenance companies. In addition to reviewing the training of crane operators.