THE HIGHLIGHTS

HSB  maintained our performance by performing above the industry standards. We have also met all of our QEHS targets and objectives for the year 2022.  The table below is our entire 2022 statistics in comparison to the 1st Half Singapore 2022 WSH statistics and our overall QEHS objective performance.
 

Understanding National 2022 WSH Performance

While we wait for Singapore’s WSH statistics for 2022 to be published, lets look at the latest statistics that we have from 2022 and key implementations that have been installed.

Fatal and major injuries fell in the third quarter of 2022 (3Q 2022) compared to previous quarter.

• There were fewer fatal and major injuries in 3Q 2022 compared to the preceding quarter (Q2 2022) 
• The annualised rates similarly fell for both fatal and major injuries in the same period.
• The recent improvement in fatal and major injuries trends followed from earlier announcements on stiffer penalties (since 14 Jun 2022) and Heightened Safety Period (HSP) (from 1 Sep 2022 – 28 Feb 2023). 
• Minor injuries saw slight increase in 3Q 2022 compared to previous quarter but remained comparable to the same period last year (3Q 2021).

Construction & Manufacturing remained as top sectors with the most fatal and major injuries.

• In 3Q 2022, Construction remained the top contributing sector with a total of 36 fatal and major injuries, fewer than the preceding quarters in 2022.
• In Sep 2022, MOM launched the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) on Chief Executives’ and Board of Directors’ WSH Duties.  It provides guidance on the actions that senior management should take, to fulfil their workplace safety and health duties. 

Continual and Extended Measures

• The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will be extending the Heightened Safety Period (HSP) by three months from 1 March to 31 May 2023, with additional measures such as;
  • CEOs and Board of Directors are to attend a mandatory half-day in-person WSH training course if their company are involved in serious breaches or accident
    • This may also include baring from foreign employments
  • Enhancing the version of the existing bizSAFE5 training for senior management. MOM will contact companies whose Senior Leaders are required to attend training.
  • Increase maximum fines from $20,000 to $50,000 for breaches of WSH Act Subsidiary Legislation that could result in death or serious bodily injury, in order to enhance deterrence for WSH Act breaches.
  • Empower workers by raising awareness of the various channels to report WSH concerns and providing protection for workers who speak up.
  • MOM and the Multi-Agency Workplace Safety Taskforce (MAST)6, will consider further measures to strengthen WSH standards and practices. These include placing greater accountability on employers and senior management, enhancing safety training, reviewing incentives and penalties, and sectoral strategies.

More information could be retrieved here: https://www.mom.gov.sg/workplace-safety-and-health/heightened-safety-period

New requirements

In Dec 2022, the requirement for WSH Coordinator to undergo refresher training every two years was announced

Info Source: 
https://www.mom.gov.sg/-/media/mom/documents/safety-health/reports-stats/wsh-national-statistics/wsh-report-2022-3q.pdf
https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/2023/0210-extension-of-heightened-safety-period#:~:text=1.,concerning%20rise%20in%20workplace%20fatalities. 
https://www.tal.sg/wshc/media/speeches/2022/opening-address-by-mr-zaqy-mohamad-at-the-bizsafe-convention-2022   
 

Our 2022 annual dinner at Capella Hotel was a particularly special occasion as we celebrated our 30th anniversary. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future.
 

A special collage video beamed across the giant screen, showcasing the achievements of the company over its illustrious 30 year history, with a video consisting of well-wishes from staff for more prosperous ventures ahead. 
 

The speech by our Managing Director, Mr Thomas Ng committed to lead HSB to further new heights in the next chapter.  Staffs who had contributed to the growth of the company in the past 30 years were recognised. A total of 42 staffs received their awards on stage for clocking the 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years milestone in the company.

The rest of the night was filled with lots of fun and games, laughter as we celebrated our 30th Anniversary, and to many many more years of success.