"More deaths, fewer injuries in construction from Jan to Nov", 31 December 2018

The construction sector has promised that there will be "no let-up" in its efforts to promote safety after new figures showed an increase in deaths due to workplace accidents this year.

...Singapore Contractors Association (Scal) president Kenneth Loo said that although safety has improved in the construction sector, it remains one of the poorer performers.

..."There will be no let-up in our efforts to raise awareness, promote and educate the industry through programmes and activities," Mr Loo said.

Scal plans to organise timeouts - where companies break from work to review safety practices - and site visits, promote the use of safe construction methods, and emphasise proper risk management and the role of top management in driving safety efforts in organisations.

...Singapore Institution of Safety Officers (Siso) executive committee member Mohd Ridzwan Mohammad said he sees more effort from firms to introduce safety initiatives such as safety timeouts and sharing sessions....

...Mr James Yuen, managing director of Singapore Engineering and Construction, said that public policy plays a role in shaping employers' mindsets, especially as public sector procurement makes up a big share of the market.

...Suggestions from industry players on boosting safety levels include using geofencing technology to raise an alert when workers are in high-risk areas and encouraging better housekeeping and supervision.