More fatal workplace accidents despite decline in work activities due to COVID-19 pandemic
28 April, 2020
Despite a decline in work activities because of the "circuit breaker" imposed to fight COVID-19, there have been more fatal workplace accidents so far this season than in the same period this past year, said Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad on Monday (Apr 27).
There have been 14 fatalities recorded from Jan 1 to Apr 17 this season in comparison to nine within that period in 2019.
The figure came amid a circuit breaker period lasting until Jun 1, where non-essential workplaces were closed and most workers, including essential workers, operated from your home wherever possible.
Speaking at the virtual opening of the National Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Campaign, Mr Zaqy said this “worrying trend” reinforced the necessity for employers and employees to press on with efforts to really improve workplace safety and health, even in this difficult time.
Employers can do that in a variety of ways, including concentrating on workers’ health and not merely their safety, he said.
“We have witnessed the way the formation of a COVID-19 cluster at a workplace can cripple a company’s businesses overnight! This is often a painful and sombre lesson for the employers about how the wellbeing of their personnel can significantly impact their business operations.”
Employers and personnel were also urged to keep a wholesome lifestyle by staying hydrated, resting sufficiently and exercising regularly.
“Workers with chronic illnesses such as for example diabetes or hypertension also needs to pay heed to doctors’ advice how to control the illnesses,” he said.
A “deepening of WSH ownership”, which is premised on a culture of care, trust and prevention can be key.
“This pandemic highlighted more vividly the necessity for employers and employees alike to stay united, show mutual care and trust that each folks will play our part to fight this virus.”
Mr Zaqy also urged companies to use this “lull period” to examine and enhance their workplace safety and health processes, such as by acquiring new skills through training.
Companies should also press on with transformation efforts by exploring and tapping on technologies to improve workplace safety and health performance.
“We already are operating in a fresh norm where technology is necessary for daily business operations. When this crisis has ended, companies who embrace technologies will recover faster than the ones that did not.”
In view of the COVID-19 situation, Mr Zaqy said the WSH Council, Ministry of Manpower, National Trades Union Congress and Singapore National Employers Federation had made a decision to hold the campaign virtually.
“Our campaign goal is equivalent to our fight COVID-19 - to remember to manage our safety and health, to be able to protect our workers, our loved kinds and ourselves from harm,” he said.
Despite the outbreak and its "devastating impact', Mr Zaqy described there is a "silver lining".
"The crisis has catalysed efforts to entrench our three WSH 2028 strategies of health, ownership and technology within business operations and sustainability," he said.
“Together, we can overcome this challenging period and create safer and healthier workplaces, whilst working at home,” he added.
Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
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