July 2012 Issue 8

HDB SAFETYenews

HDB shared her safety journey and success story through the concerted effort over the years. This includes the adoption of Design for Safety principles in its building projects, constantly reviews and pro-actively introduces safety initiatives and measures, as well as launches safety programmes and publicity campaigns to engage all the stakeholders. HDB also harnesses the advanced technologies to cater to the rapid changes and challenges in the construction industry.

2 HDB SAFETY eNEWS

INTERNATIONAL WSH CONFERENCE

“HDB adopted Design for Safety principles at every stage of its building projects. The hazards related to design, construction and maintenance are identified and addressed.”Group Director Er Yap Tiem Yew, HDB

On 4 & 5 June 2012, BCA Academy and Institution of Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH) (Singapore) jointly organised the international conference on workplace safety and health for the construction industry. The aims of the conference were to cultivate a platform for the exchange of ideas and share successful exemplars, and to promote continuous improvement of workplace safety and health standards in the building and construction sector.

Er Yap Tiem Yew and Er Ng Yew Song with representatives from IOSH

HDB SAFETY eNEWS 3

“If we all make fewer assumptions and take personal responsibility, we may help to prevent accidents.”BG (NS) Tan Chuan-Jin

On 26 Apr 12, the National Workplace Safety and Health (NWSH) Campaign was launched by Minister of State for Manpower and National Development, BG (NS) Tan Chuan-Jin. The message for this year’s campaign is “Stop the Assumptions. Stop Work Accidents”.

There is a common assumption that safety has been taken care of or is the responsibility of someone else is a key contributing factor for many accidents. The message for the campaign serves to remind everyone not to make assumptions but to instead, take personal responsibility towards WSH.

STOP THE ASSUMPTIONSSTOP WORK ACCIDENTS

BG (NS) Tan viewing the new interactive exhibits and safety posters

4 HDB SAFETY eNEWS

In May and Jun 12, the Construction Safety Management Section (CSMS) conducted 4 dialogue sessions with the Directors, Deputy Directors and Project Directors who are managing new development, upgrading, infrastructure and A&A projects in HDB worksites. The dialogue aims to share with the Project Directors on the WSH Act, HDB safety initiatives, safety audit findings, key area of safety concerns, learning points of the past safety incidents as well as to discuss on the possible ways to further improve the safety performance in HDB worksites. A total of 150 participants attended the dialogue sessions.

Deputy Director (Construction Safety Management) Er Goh Keng Cheong

SAFETY DIALOGUE

Director (Building Safety & Resources) Er Ng Yew Song

Participant sharing and discussion at the dialogue session

HDB SAFETY eNEWS 5

Key Contributing Factors to Gondola IncidentsThe key contributing factors to the gondola incidents are due to overloading with equipment or materials, workers over-stretched by standing on the guardrail and the lack of proper maintenance.

Accidents Statistics Involving GondolaFrom 2009 to 2011, there were 2 gondola-related dangerous occurrences and a total of 3 gondola-related fatalities in Singapore.

Suspended scaffolds, commonly known as ‘Gondolas’, are commonly used in HDB worksites for repairs, redecoration, maintenance and upgrading works. With more than 3000 gondolas registered with HDB, the proper use and maintenance of gondola is essential to prevent the gondola from tilting or any failure.

SAFE USE OF GONDOLA

Number of Incident Involving Gondola

Source: Ministry of Manpower

Gondola tilted in an upgrading worksite

6 HDB SAFETY eNEWS

SAFE USE OF GONDOLA

Proper Design and Installation The anchorage / outriggers from which the gondolas are suspended must be designed by a Professional Engineer. The gondola system shall be of adequate length, strength, properly installed and supported in accordance with established codes of practices and standards (CP 20:1999 Code of Practice for Suspended Scaffolds). The gondola shall be erected and re-positioned by an Approved Scaffold Contractor and qualified scaffold rigger. The outriggers shall be spaced at not more than 3.2m apart. The safe working load and number of workers allowed within the gondola must be clearly specified in order to prevent overloading.

The anchorage of the gondolas shall be designed by a Professional Engineer

Gondola counterweight shall be suspended when in operation

The wire rope shall be protected against the structure with appropriate materials

HDB SAFETY eNEWS 7

SAFE USE OF GONDOLA

TestingThe winches of the gondola shall be properly maintained and synchronized so that the gondola platform is maintained in level at all times. After the gondola has been first installed on site, they must be tested by an Authorised Examiner before it can be used. The test would include loading the gondola with weights to ensure that the gondola can take the load it was designed for. This test is to be repeated at least once every six months thereafter.

Safety DeviceThe safety device is a safety feature which will be activated to latch on to the safety wire ropes should the motor wire rope snap. The device will help to prevent the gondola from excessive tilting.

The motor and safety wire ropes shall be vertical and taut

The safety device was tampered using wire and unable to function

Motor Wire Rope

Safety Device

8 HDB SAFETY eNEWS

Regular Inspection and Maintenance The gondola must be re-inspected by the qualified supervisor once every seven days or when the gondola is relocated or if environmental factors (such as heavy storm) may have affected the stability or strength of the gondola.

Adequate Fall Protection Measures Adequate fall protection measures must be implemented. The primary control measure is to provide every worker with a safety harness (coupled with a shock absorber), which must in turn be secured to an independent lifeline.

SAFE USE OF GONDOLA

Safe Working Load and maximum number of workers clearly displayed

Worker working in gondola anchored safety harness to lifeline

EDITORIAL TEAM | Er Goh Keng Cheong | Sean Leo | Eng Boon Kai | Linda TeoAll Rights Reserved. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of HDB.

HDB SAFETY PERFORMANCE

Accident Frequency Rate (Year 2002 – June 2012)

HDB Accident Statistic (Jan – Jun 2012)

HDB SAFETY eNEWS 9