Safety Inspections at Work: How can a digital Safety Management System help workers take ownership of their safety?

Addressing The Urgent Need for Enhanced Safety in Construction

A tragic incident in Tuas involving a construction worker falling from a 10-metre height emphasises the critical need for stringent safety measures in the construction industry, especially with the elevated risk of work-at-height accidents. Despite guidelines for fall prevention, the accident underscores the importance of prioritising worker safety and the profound impact such incidents have on both workers and their families. With the reported workplace deaths in 2023 already at 21, the article highlights the safety compliance challenges that construction companies face, highlighting the urgent necessity for the implementation of digital safety management systems to prevent such devastating accidents.

How Does the Lack of Real-Time Communication and Collaboration Impact Construction Site Safety?

One of the most significant challenges include the lack of real-time communication and collaboration in the context of work-at-height accidents, which significantly elevate the risk of serious injuries and fatalities. Delayed reporting or ineffective communication can swiftly escalate critical situations, intensifying the strain on both the workforce and management. 

Ensuring seamless communication channels and prompt hazard identification becomes paramount, particularly in instances involving work at height, which remains one of the leading causes of accidents in the construction industry. 

This urgency highlights the vital role of adherence to regulatory compliance, considering the stringent measures, including the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) Business Under Surveillance (BUS) Programme, Demerit Point System, and Stop-Work Orders, designed to enforce safety protocols. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines under the Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSH), thus underscoring the collective responsibility of stakeholders in fostering a robust safety culture.

How Do Empowerment Initiatives Shape Workplace Safety Culture in Construction?

To bolster compliance with safety regulations at construction sites, initiatives like NTUC's Spot, Stop, and Report Campaign and MOM’s SnapSAFE program have encouraged proactive safety measures within the construction industry. These initiatives empower workers to identify hazards, intervene when necessary, and promptly report safety concerns, fostering a collective responsibility for workplace safety.

Effective March 2024, a mandatory workplace safety and health program will require CEOs in the construction, manufacturing, and marine industries to attend, emphasising executive responsibility and proactive safety management. From September 2022, there is a regulation that now holds chief executives personally accountable to authorities for serious injuries or fatalities, leading to prompt rectifications. Notably, 16 chief executives and top management have faced accountability for safety lapses. Additionally, companies with major injuries or safety contraventions must engage external auditors to review safety processes, a requirement in place since mid-June 2022.

Following the WSH Act, it also emphasises that stakeholders are also responsible for a strong safety culture in workplaces. The three guiding principles of the WSH Act are to: 

• Reduce risk at the source by requiring all stakeholders to remove or minimise the risk they create
• Encourage industries to adopt greater ownership of safety and health outcomes
• Impose higher penalties for poor safety management and outcomes

Given these stringent measures and the growing emphasis on safety accountability, other than these initiatives and programs, the implementation of a comprehensive digital safety management system emerges as an additional solution. The system can facilitate seamless adherence to regulatory standards and empower stakeholders to proactively address concerns with safety inspections in real time. 

How Can Digital Safety Inspections Elevate Construction Site Security?

Digital safety management systems play a crucial role in preventing work-at-height accidents by enabling comprehensive safety inspections that surpass conventional methods. These systems facilitate the assessment of critical factors, such as scaffolding stability and proper equipment usage, ensuring adherence to stringent safety standards during elevated operations. Real-time hazard identification and regular equipment checks become seamless through the integration of digital platforms, significantly reducing the risk of potential accidents and instilling a sense of confidence and security among workers. By emphasising real-time reporting and communication, these systems foster a culture of accountability, encouraging all team members to actively engage in maintaining a secure work environment and preventing work-at-height hazards.

The Safety Inspection Module in Hubble Safety Management System is designed to address work-at-height challenges effectively. It streamlines the development and management of inspections, allowing for customised checklists tailored to specific project requirements. The module facilitates real-time, on-the-go safety inspections, enabling prompt issue reporting and intervention. With features such as e-signatures, timestamps, and offline access, it enhances accountability and ensures continuous safety management even in remote locations, significantly mitigating the risks associated with work-at-height activities.

Pioneering Safety Management for Sustainable Growth

In essence, the integration of digital Safety Management Systems has redefined safety practices within various industries, addressing the emotional aspect of ensuring the well-being of workers while fostering a culture of proactive risk management and empowerment. By leveraging technology to streamline safety protocols, enhance training initiatives, and facilitate seamless communication, businesses can create an environment that prioritises the emotional and physical well-being of their workforce, paving the way for sustainable growth and development across sectors.

Learn more about how the Hubble Safety Management System can enhance your safety inspections to prevent work from height accidents today.