SMS Zaqy Mohamad: Vigilance must continue for workplace accidents to remain low

Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamed has re-emphasised the need for people to remain vigilant as Singapore strives to build a workplace safety excellence culture.

This was his message to workers and employers at the launch of the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council’s annual National WSH Campaign on 20 April 2024.

He shared that Singapore is now among the safest countries to work in after achieving a record-low fatal injury rate of 0.99 per 100,000 in 2023.

Mr Zaqy said: “Singapore is a safer workplace today for our workers because of the collective efforts of employers, industry associations, safety professionals, the Labour Movement, and workers.

“We must remain vigilant and continue to build a culture of workplace safety excellence.”

NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Melvin Yong added that the Labour Movement and its affiliated unions and associations are committed to promoting safety at the workplace.

He hopes that workers will continue to be aware of the safety protocols at their workplaces and raise safety concerns when they see them.

“If you spot an unsafe situation or dangerous act, stop work immediately and report it to your supervisor or union leader,” said Mr Yong, who is also a member of the WSH Council.

The 3 “E’s” of workplace safety

To sustain and improve WSH excellence and culture, this year’s WSH Campaign encourages companies to adopt the three “E’s” of workplace safety.

It includes management' empowering’ workers by encouraging them to report unsafe situations and recognising their efforts to do so; supervisors' ensuring’ the implementation of safe work procedures; and workers embracing safe work procedures to protect themselves.

As part of their collective call to strengthen the culture of WSH excellence, Mr Zaqy and Mr Yong – together with Singapore National Employers Federation Council Member Adrian Lim and WSH Council Chairman Abu Bakar Mohd Noor – have created a short video on how everyone can do their part and report unsafe work situations.

Watch the video. 

Meanwhile, more details on this year’s WSH campaign can be found at https://taketimetotakecare.sg/.