SINGAPORE - Six building owners have been finedfor occupying their premises without a valid Fire Certificate. The individuals were charged in court between Jan 12 and April 27 with occupying their premises contravening Section 20(2) of the Fire Safety Act for one to two months. The building owners were fined between $1,400 and $2,000. Under the Act, the premises must have a valid fire certificate before they can be occupied, reiterated the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) in a statement on Wednesday (May 12). The six premises are at 121 Neythal Road, 27 Foch Road, 40 Tuas West Road, 175 Bencoolen Street, 5 Tuas View Lane, and 3 Pioneer Sector Walk. The places cited are mostly industrial buildings, except for 27 Foch Road and 175 Bencoolen Street which are commercial buildings. SCDF said it had alerted the building owners two months before the expiry of the fire certificates and issued multiple reminders. But they had failed to renew the certificates. All six have renewed their certificates since then, added SCDF. A valid certificate is evidence that the fire safety measures installed on the premises have been checked, and the building is safe to be occupied, said SCDF. Depending on the area's fire risk and extent of fire safety measures required, the certificate has to be renewed every one to three years. SCDF said it takes a serious view of fire certificate-related offences. A valid certificate is issued only after a building's fire safety measures, such as fire alarms, sprinklers, and emergency power supply systems have been checked and found to be in working condition. A professional engineer must be engaged to do the checks. If these critical systems are not functioning, there is great risk to the building's occupants during emergencies, and it can lead to severe consequences such as loss of life and damage to property, SCDF said. "We urge all building owners to play their part to ensure the safety of the occupants of their premises."
SINGAPORE - The adoption of work-from-home arrangements last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on the mental stressors faced by workers here, especially with the blurring of work-life boundaries. As such, building workers' mental resilience is critical, stressed Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad on Thursday (April 29) at the launch of this year's National Workplace Safety and Health Campaign. The hybrid event was held at the Trade Association Hub in Jurong and streamed online. "Workers must take time to take care not just of their physical health, but also of their mental well-being," he added. The annual campaign, organised by the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council, entails year-long outreach efforts to promote safety and health in workplaces. On mental well-being, a new campaign in September will see healthcare institutions and agencies share best practices to build workers' mental resilience. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will continue to assist firms in developing such support at their workplaces, said Mr Zaqy. The WSH council will also be developing training workshops and an online resource page on mental health matters. In addition, a tripartite award on mental well-being will be introduced next year to recognise individuals and companies that have adopted exemplary practices. This year, employers and workers are also called to take a pause from work to care for their safety and health. This can be a scheduled break of 30 minutes or more, where workers can do stretching exercises, perform safety checks or identify hazards around them. WSH Council chairman John Ng said: "When conducted regularly, these actions become habitual and can improve the worker's health and heighten his awareness of unsafe acts or conditions in his work environment in the long run." Two other campaigns for workplace safety will run throughout the year to address the top two contributors to non-fatal workplace injuries in recent years. One, targeting high-risk sectors, will be launched in June to address slips, trips and falls. Employers and workers will pick up best practices and set goals to reduce incidents. A Safe Hands Campaign is also planned for March next year, where companies will be encouraged to take steps to prevent machinery incidents. On Thursday, Mr Zaqy called on employers to send workers for regular training, assess risks and carry out periodic checks on equipment and procedures. Fostering a "no-blame culture" will also encourage workers to speak up when they see anything amiss, he pointed out. More on this topic Related Story One year after S'pore's circuit breaker, people socialising less, working more Related Story Re-entry blues: How to manage higher stress and anxiety with the reopening of workplaces He also urged workers to report unsafe conditions and near-misses to their supervisors. Mr Zaqy said machinery safety, as well as slips, trips and falls were two "hot spots" that accounted for nearly half of all major injuries last year. Citing an inspection on a manufacturing firm last week where MOM officers uncovered several lapses, including the poor maintenance of machinery, Mr Zaqy said such safety lapses can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. His ministry has also observed an emerging issue of more untrained personnel operating machinery. For slip, trip and fall incidents, six out of 10 of those injured were cleaners and labourers, he highlighted. More on this topic Related Story MOM to carry out 400 worksite safety inspections on top of routine checks amid spate of accidents Related Story Spike in workplace injuries sparks renewed call for more vigilance One in five of those injured slipped, tripped or fell as they were walking, according to a survey of the 26,000 such workplace incidents between 2012 and 2019. The most common location where these accidents happened were at stairs or steps. Mandatory workplace safety and health training will be rolled out in stages for selected sectors. For instance, all cleaners will undergo such training from next year to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls. WSH Council's Mr Ng said: "Although Singapore has gradually resumed most of its business activities and safe management measures may have been relaxed, we must continue to do our utmost to ensure that no one gets hurt at work."
SINGAPORE - From cell-based steaks to algae shakes, farms of the future here are developing novel foods to replace meat. First, however, these sustainable proteins must be judged safe to eat. This is the idea behind a research hub launched at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) on Tuesday (April 27). Sustainable proteins could provide the island nation with a reliable long-term source of food - as long as they are safe. "No food safety, no food security," said Professor William Chen, director of the university's food science and technology programme The new Future Ready Food Safety Hub will support local and overseas agri-food companies by studying new ways to assess food safety risks in novel foods. To help these companies get their food products approved and on grocery shelves and menus sooner, the scientists at the hub are working to address emerging issues in food safety early. Prof Chen, who will be the principal investigator for NTU at the hub, noted that no risk assessment framework has been set up so far in Singapore to evaluate the safety of many novel foods that are emerging. This is the gap that the research hub wants to fill. "With the increasing efforts in building our food security, more and more novel foods from the urban areas would emerge, from land-based aquaculture to cultivated meat. It is therefore important to establish a proper food safety framework before the foods are available on consumers' dining plates," said Prof Chen. He added that food technology companies can connect with the hub through consultancy work and research collaborations. The food safety hub was established in collaboration with NTU, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star). It was launched by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of NTU's inaugural Food Science and Technology Global 2021 conference. Noting that food safety is more critical for future foods that do not have a history of consumption, Ms Fu said: "When it became clear to us that novel foods such as cultured meat could be an emerging growth area, SFA started engaging the scientific community and industry on the possible approaches to regulate the safety of novel foods and ingredients." Ms Fu added that consumers also play an important role in food safety. A toxicology test being conducted at NTU FST lab. The Future Ready Food Safety Hub will be running such tests, amongst others. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN "While (the food safety hub) collaborates with stakeholders to enhance food safety, it will also work with them to enhance public awareness of novel foods. "This will help consumers better understand the safety and benefits of certain types of novel foods, as well as emerging food safety risks. With this knowledge, consumers will be better equipped to make informed choices," she said. The conference - a two-day hybrid event - will bring together food science experts here and abroad to discuss the various technologies in bolstering food security, in a time when climate change and population growth are existential threats. The food safety hub - housed in NTU's School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering - is currently working with several local and overseas start-ups that are developing novel foods and alternative proteins, said an NTU spokesman. The hub is also in talks with high-tech aquaculture firms and vertical farms. The agri-food sector burgeoned in 2019 as Singapore set out its "30 by 30" goal to produce 30 per cent of its nutritional needs by 2030. At the same time, interest began to grow in plant-based meat alternatives. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu (third from right) at NTU's Food Science and Technology Global 2021 conference on April 27, 2021. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN More on this topic Related Story More companies entering the novel food space offering alternative protein Related Story S'pore start-up raises US$10m as it gears up to launch plant-based chicken product Enterprise Singapore said that over the past two years, more than 15 start-ups in alternative proteins have set up base in Singapore, and their products include plant-based protein, as well as fermented and cultured meat. In December last year, Singapore became the first country to approve the sale of a cell-based meat - cultured chicken bites by Californian firm Eat Just. The chicken bites by Eat Just is the first product to pass SFA's evaluation process under the new regulatory framework. PHOTO: COURTESY OF EAT JUST Dr Ralph Graichen, senior director of the food and consumer cluster of A*Star's Biomedical Research Council and chair of the food safety hub's advisory committee, said: "By tapping research and development to improve food safety and facilitate the introduction of novel foods to the market, Singapore is well on its way to becoming a leading agri-food and nutrition hub." The hub will comprise multiple disciplines, such as food science, microbiology and toxicology. In November 2019, SFA published on its website a document detailing information that would be required for the safety assessment of novel foods. Companies producing novel foods need to submit safety assessments of their products for SFA's review before they are allowed for sale, said SFA. The assessments cover various food safety risks, including toxicity and the presence of allergens. Companies must also provide detailed information on the materials used in their manufacturing processes. More on this topic Related Story Growing interest in plant-based meat Related Story Future food: Growing meat in lab to help meet supply needs
Toyota City, Japan, Apr 19, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Lexus held the world premiere of the new Lexus ES today. The ES is a key model in the Lexus lineup, having first appeared with the launch of the first-generation LS flagship sedan in 1989. The ES has been well received by many customers around the world for its high level of quietness, high-quality ride comfort, and spacious cabin. Cumulative sales of the ES since its initial debut so far total approximately 2.65 million units in more than 80 countries and regions.Lexus ES (Prototype)The new ES achieves further enhancements to superior quietness and ride comfort, which form the origin of Lexus, as well as further refinements to its high-quality overall comfort. As can be experienced through the comfort in the car's seamless connection between acceleration, deceleration, and steering in any driving situation, development pursued a linear response that is faithful to the driver's intentions. A proprietary Lexus method was employed to increase the rigidity of the rear suspension-member braces for superior steering stability in situations such as high-speed lane changes. Also, the adoption in the F Sport version of the new ES of a leading-edge adaptive variable suspension (AVS) system that uses a new actuator achieves both high-quality ride comfort and sharper steering response by reducing the damping force and expanding the variable range. Furthermore, actively employed in the new ES are advanced safety technologies, such as an evolved Lexus Safety System +, with the aim of enabling drivers to enjoy even safer driving. A newly designed front grille and newly designed headlamps, together with the use of a newly developed interior color, result in an overall design that is more refined.Lexus International Chief Engineer Tetsuya Aoki"Our goal was to deepen the high quality of the ES and to add new value. In addition to further improving quietness and ride comfort, we pursued linearity in vehicle movement, in response to steering wheel operation, that is faithful to the driver's intentions. When it comes to styling, we refined the elegance that is characteristic of the ES, and we have created a new modernity. In development, to exceed customer expectations, we identified elements that could be improved, and we thoroughly raised every detail to the highest levels of completion. I would like people to experience by ride in the ES the thoughts of the development team, which closely adhered to the idea of 'Always On' with the aim of making ever-better cars."ES Main FeaturesImproved quietness and ride quality and an evolved driving performanceThe new ES introduces enhancements to superior quietness and ride comfort, as well as further refinements to its high-quality overall comfort. As can be experienced through the comfort in the car's seamless connection between deceleration, steering, and acceleration in any driving situation, development pursued a linear response that is faithful to the driver's intentions, which is a constant Lexus aim.Adoption of advanced linear-solenoid AVS- Uses a new actuator and is featured in the F Sport- Expands the flow path of the hydraulic control solenoid's oil flow control valve, is responsive to low damping forces, and achieves high-quality ride comfort while improving steering response and stability by expanding the variable range of the damping forceHigher-rigidity rear suspension bracesThe switch from a single sheet structure to a dual sheet structure has increased rigidity. Torsional and lateral rigidity has been heightened for improved ride comfort, as well as for a driving sensation that is more linear and faithful to the driver's intentions, even in such situations as high-speed lane changes.Improved brake controllability- For gasoline-powered versions, the idle stroke of the brake pedal reduced by improving the internal structures of the master cylinder and booster- For hybrid versions, brake controllability improved by changing the control constants of the electronically controlled braking system- The contact area for the driver's foot expanded by changing the shape of the brake pedal pad, improving the sense of stability when the brake pedal is depressed- The sense of lateral rigidity in the brake pedal has been enhanced by improving the mounting method for the internal bushing of the brake pedal link configurationAn evolution of the characteristic elegant styling of the ES toward a more modern lookThe new ES improves on the quality and elegance that has been well received by ES customers. The exterior has evolved into a more modern look by way of a newly designed front grille and newly designed headlamps, while the interior has adopted the new interior color Mauve and evolved into a calm and modern space. Also, based on Lexus's human-centered approach, enhanced operability was pursued in every detail, such as by giving the vehicle's multimedia system a touch display and consolidating the switches around the steering wheel.ExteriorNewly designed front grilleWhile preserving the ES's recognizable identity, the grille has been done in a mesh pattern consisting of an ensemble of L-shaped components that emphasize lateral flow. Its emphasized forward extrusion heightens the sense of quality.Newly designed headlampsModels with monocular lamps feature new, compact lamp units, while triple-beam lamps feature BladeScanTM AHS (Adaptive High-beam System) for improved functionality, while the use of new slender lamp units results in a sharp look.Newly designed wheels- Thicker spoke ends on the available 17-inch wheels emphasize the shine of machined surfaces and are layered in "V" formations to produce a sporty impression.- Multi-axis spokes on the 18-inch wheels that are standard on the base grade contrast the shine of machined surfaces and black paint, creating a sense of luxury.- The F Sport-exclusive 19-inch wheels are glossy black to match the black of the front grille for a firm impression.New exterior colorsTwo colors available for the first time on the ES are Sonic Iridium, which takes advantage of strong shadows to further accentuate the shape of the vehicle, and Sonic Chrome, which exhibits a metallic quality in a high-gloss finish.InteriorMultimedia system- The multimedia system now features a touch display. Based on Lexus's human-centered approach, the optimum distance and angle between the driver for a newly adopted touch display were sought out, and the display has been moved closer to the driver by more than 100 mm compared to previous display layouts and tilted approximately five degrees, putting even the outlying corners of the screen within easy reach of the driver.- The display's screen uses glass for improved visibility and operability.Ornamentation- Walnut material and the newly developed colors of Sumi Black and Dark Brown create a sense of luxury.- Hairline ornamentation is done in hairlines etched one at a time using a laser process, creating a more delicate and modern ambience.New interior colors and refreshed styling- In addition to a newly applied Hazel, the interior comes in a newly developed brown, grayish--tone Mauve.- The F Sport now comes in White, with seat cushions in a White-and-Flare Red color scheme combined with seatbacks in Black for a sportier impression.Application of state-of-the-art active safety technologies, including the latest Lexus Safety System +Lexus is developing safety technologies under the banner of eliminating traffic casualties, which is the ultimate wish of a society of mobility. Lexus prioritizes the development of the most advanced safety technologies and the quick delivery of such to drivers--it does this by actively employing cutting-edge technologies in its flagship vehicle models. By developing technologies for widespread application based on know-how cultivated through introducing cutting-edge technologies into its flagships, Lexus plans to broadly introduce advanced technologies into all of its vehicle models. An example is the ES's Lexus Safety System +, which has further evolved through the introduction of advanced safety technologies thus far cultivated through use in other Lexus vehicle models. While retaining the configuration of a single-lens camera and millimeter-wave radar used in the conventional Lexus Safety System +, Lexus has added functions such as Emergency Steering Assist and has improved the system's lane recognition performance. These advances are part of Lexus's continuing efforts to prevent traffic accidents and fatalities, to reduce driver burden, and to develop driver-assist systems that provide a more natural and safer driving experience. Also, the cameras of the Digital Side-view Monitors and Digital Rear-view Mirror of the ES have been updated, while LED flickering has been significantly reduced and image quality has been improved for excellent visibility day and night.Lexus Safety System +The performance of the single-lens camera and millimeter-wave radar has been improved to expand the response range of the Pre-Collision System, which is designed to detect daytime bicyclists and pedestrians in low-light conditions and, at intersections, to detect oncoming vehicles before right turns(1) and pedestrians crossing the street from the direction toward which the vehicle was traveling before it started to make a right or left turn. Also featured are functions such as Emergency Steering Assist, which assists steering within the vehicle's lane as cued by the driver, and Low Speed Acceleration Control(2), which supports the prevention of collisions caused by pedal misapplication at times of reduced speed.The lane-recognition functions of Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), which is an advanced driving support function that supports steering to keep the vehicle in the center of the lane, have been improved through the application of AI technologies that expand the assist range, resulting in smoother and more-continuous steering assist.A curve speed-control function that decelerates the vehicle in advance according to the size of an approaching curve has been added to Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (with an all-speed tracking function), which controls acceleration and deceleration so that the distance to an immediately preceding vehicle is constant within the speed set when driving on motor-vehicle-only roadways and others.Automatic High Beam detects preceding or oncoming vehicles and automatically switches between high beam and low beam headlights.Road Sign Assist acquires road sign information using a camera displays it on the vehicle's multi-information display.Emergency Driving Stop System(3) supports the driver through audio and visual alerts and gentle deceleration if non-operation by the driver continues during use of Lane Tracing Assist. It then activates the vehicle's hazard lamps and horn to alert those outside the vehicle to help prevent or reduce damage to the vehicle or others, while slowing and eventually stopping the vehicle within its lane. After stopping the vehicle, it unlocks the doors and activates an automatic HELPNET connection for a rescue request, contributing to early driver rescue.Various other forms of advanced safety equipment are featured on the new ES and are being actively introduced by Lexus. These include parking support brakes, which contribute to the mitigation of damage in collisions due to pedal misapplication in places such as parking lots or in minor collisions with vehicles approaching from the rear, and the Panoramic View Monitor, which supports periphery safety checks.BladeScanTM AHSThe ES joins the Lexus RX and Lexus LS in the use of BladeScanTM AHS, which is an advanced AHS in which LED-sourced light shines onto blade mirrors spinning at high speed and is transferred to a lens to illuminate the road ahead. A residual image effect prevents the light from appearing to be moving, and BladeScanTM AHS precisely controls light distribution by synchronizing the rotation of the blade mirrors and switching the LED lights on and off. Capable of more-delicate shielding of light than in the case of conventional AHS, it broadens the range of high beam illumination, enabling the driver to recognize pedestrians and road signs without impeding the visibility of the proceeding driver or of drivers approaching from the opposite direction.Digital Side-view Monitors and Digital Rear-view MirrorThe camera performance of the Digital Side-view Mirrors and Digital Rear-view Mirror has been improved. To improve visibility in places in which light and shade are mixed, noise-reduction processing is applied to realized clear images with less noise. Also, annoyance caused by LED flickering has been reduced.Digital key(4)The vehicle can be locked and unlocked with a Bluetooth-activated digital key by operating using only a smartphone installed with a dedicated app. And, just as in the case of a conventional smart key, the engine can be started with such a smartphone without having to take the smartphone out.(5) Also, if such a smartphone is stolen or lost, the installed digital key function can be remotely disabled.(1) Right turns in the case of right-hand-drive vehicles driven in countries in which driving is done on the left-hand side of the road and left turns in the case of left-hand-drive vehicles driven in countries in which driving is done on the right-hand side of the road.(2) To be available only in Japan.(3) To be available only in Japan.(4) To be available only in China.(5) Signal detection depends on smartphone type, settings, and location.For more information about the ES, please visit https://lexus.jp/international/models/es/.Lexus ES (Prototype) Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. 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Singapore / SEAPRWire / April 9, 2021 / - With nations now much more prepared in dealing with the pandemic with vaccinations, testing, and containment, Asia Pacific is slowly and surely getting its economies back to speed as safely and as expeditiously as possible. Moving masses through the veins of the cities In many of the Asia Pacific nations, public transportation is the crux to the economies, providing an affordable and dependable infrastructure for work and leisure, especially in highly congested metropolitan cities around the region. Domestic air travel, whilst perhaps faster from point to point, may not be as affordable as rail or bus networks, especially when rail systems become fast and meticulously engineered into urban planning. Domestic high-speed rail for larger nations in this region has become more important, especially as they began to link up provinces. The region boasts some of the most advanced mass transit rail networks in the world, including the likes of Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and China. According to the UNIFE Global Rail study conducted by Roland Berger, the rail supply market saw constant growth in recent years, with especially the Asia Pacific making a sizable positive development to the entire market to the tune of 5.3%. A large continent like Australia has begun to see pockets of successful rail networks, such as the Newcastle Light Rail with 6 stops connecting the waterfront and the key parts of the city, as part of the Newcastle Urban Transformation and Transport Program (NUTTP). The Great Southern Rail is a 400 kilometer railway corridor that now serves mostly freight, but promises to revitalize passenger mobility from Adelaide to Melbourne. This will increasingly become a great enabler for tourism and hospitality, and business travel as well. Smart Safety and Security for rail with COTS (commercial-off-the-shelf) Solutions The functional safety of rail networks are mandatory, as such transportation move many people from different points at high speeds with zero tolerance for errors or failures. With the pandemic continuing to drone on in waves across the world, the demand for functional safety is compounded with a new challenge for hygiene and safe distancing of passengers, all the while still conforming to consumer demands of a dependable and fast transportation system that never fails. In the pre-COVID-19 world, regular or daily general cleaning of the cabins and floors may suffice. Rail safety as well as cybersecurity are mission-critical. For example, should a person falls onto a rail track with a speeding train towards the him, there must be safety controls to enable early braking. Likewise, should there be electrical failures on parts of the train or rail controls, there must be early warning controllers linked to a control panel for operators to intervene early. And in the modern era of incessant hacking, any system, including rail and transportation, that has computers and networks involved, are subject to potential intrusions. Standards are everything in safety and cybersecurity. For rail systems, we need to cater for the functional safety foundation of IEC 61508, IEC 61511 for process-control and safety systems, IEC 62443 for IT security, as well as rail-specific safety standards such as IEC 62278 for RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety), IEC 62279 for rail software, and IEC 62425 for rail system safety. “When looking at the safety aspects for rail systems, companies can consider either proprietary safety solutions, or commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions. Proprietary safety solutions may accord certain unique functionality and controls that some companies may prefer. However, given that most rail networks are built for longevity, cost-effectiveness, and ease of maintenance, operators may prefer to look at COTS safety controllers that are standardized and certified by trusted institutions, such as CENELEC SIL4-certified HIMA HIMax and HIMatrix COTS safety controllers,” says Mr Friedhelm Best, Vice President Asia Pacific, HIMA. “The programming of these controllers are based on globally available standard programming languages in accordance with IEC 61131 and provide interfaces to all important technologies such as Ethernet, RS485, or RS232. Communication takes place via broadly accessible protocols such as CAN bus (implemented via COM-User-Task) or Profinet, or specialized high-performance protocols such as the HIMA Safe Ethernet for greater security. The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is one such adopter of the HIMA COTS solutions for its rail safety with success and relatively lower costs.” Surmounting Safety and Cybersecurity Challenges Cybersecurity threats are ever present and escalating, just as we deal with the pandemic daily as individuals and as institutions. Therefore, the global protocols will continue to change our lives even as economies slowly unravel to manage the crises and damages already done. To enable large populations to move from home and workplaces safely enabled with functional safety, cybersecurity, and medical hygiene, will become the thrust of all rail network operators and government officials alike, especially through standardized and certified COTS safety controllers and solutions. The current and emerging technologies are rising to these challenges and we are surmounting these challenges. After all, we have all braved through economic and pandemic crises before. For more information, visit: https://hima.com/. Media Contact McGallen & Bolden PR Website: https://hima.com/ The article is provided by a third-party content provider. SEAPRWire ( www.seaprwire.com ) makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith. Any questions, please contact cs/at/SEAPRWire.com Sectors: Top Story, Daily News SEA PRWire: PR distribution in Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines & Hong Kong )
SINGAPORE - Forty-six workers lost their hands or fingers in amputation accidents last year, mainly due to the unsafe use of machinery. Such injuries, which often have a lasting impact on the workers' lives and livelihoods, are preventable, stressed Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad on Thursday (March 25) when he launched this year's Safe Hands Campaign. "We need to persevere in our efforts to ensure such incidents do not recur," he said, as he encouraged companies to embrace a culture of reporting near misses. The campaign, an initiative by the Workplace Safety and Health Council, focuses on raising awareness on machinery safety and practices to avoid hand and finger injuries. Mr Zaqy said that there were 1,756 injuries due to machinery incidents last year, down from 2,262 in 2019. But he pointed out that the drop could be due to the circuit breaker period and the suspension of business activities then. "Overall, for the manufacturing sector, machinery incidents still account for nearly one-third of all injuries in the sector, so we must continue to press on," he added. Last month, 11 workers died in nine separate workplace accidents. Some of the fatalities involved the use of machinery such as forklifts. "These tragic accidents provide a stark reminder that if not used properly, machines can lead to needless loss of lives, not just the loss of hands or fingers," said Mr Zaqy, urging firms to conduct a safety time-out to review their practices and assess possible risks. While Singapore has resumed almost all its manufacturing activities since the end of the circuit breaker on June 1 last year, workplace safety and health cannot be taken for granted as firms catch up on order delays or adjust their operations, he said. "Every accident and every life lost is one too many." The campaign is held in collaboration with the Singapore Manufacturing Federation. Last year, some 560 firms pledged their commitment towards enforcing greater safety. Mr Zaqy called on more employers to take proactive steps to ensure their workers' safety. These include installing machine guards, which prevent operators from having their hands and fingers caught between moving parts, or light curtains, which are sensors that can detect if an operator's fingers get too close to a machine's moving parts. While such measures are a necessary first step, a company's management has to ensure the guards are maintained and are not intentionally removed for the sake of convenience. "Companies cannot delegate this responsibility to the workers," he noted. They should also be receptive to feedback and act immediately when lapses are flagged. More on this topic Related Story Spike in workplace injuries sparks renewed call for more vigilance Related Story 7 deaths from workplace accidents in February, prompting call for 'safety time-out' In his opening address, Mr Zaqy also touched on workplace health issues, from chronic problems to infectious diseases such as Covid-19. In recent years, mental health at the workplace has become a growing concern. Firms can use a free online assessment tool called iWorkHealth to identify sources of work stress, and refer to the tripartite advisory on mental well-being for resources to support workers' mental health. Mr Zaqy said a stressful work environment may affect productivity and lead to potential lapses, as distracted workers may lack focus and have slower hand-eye coordination. Similarly, workers with poorly managed chronic diseases may find difficulty getting rest, he added. "Limited energy levels coupled with constant pain make even the simplest tasks draining and tiresome. A worker could even lose consciousness while at work, and this has dire consequences when they are operating machinery." More on this topic Related Story New task force to tackle mental health issues among migrant workers Related Story Total Defence Day: SAF senior medic spent time after shift counselling migrant worker
SINGAPORE - An inquiry committee will be appointed by Manpower Minister Josephine Teo following the fatal fire and explosion at Stars Engrg on Wednesday (Feb 24). Three workers died and another five are still in critical condition, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Saturday. MOM said the committee is expected to carry out a thorough study into the factors that led to the fire and blast. It will also make recommendations including policy, regulatory or workplace safety and health measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents. The committee will be led by a district judge with two technical assessors, and its proceedings will be held in open court. More details will be announced next week. The last time an inquiry was convened for a workplace accident was in 2004 to investigate the Nicoll Highway collapse that killed four people. Ten people were taken to hospital for burn injuries. PHOTO: SCDF / FACEBOOK In a Facebook post on Saturday morning, Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad called Wednesday's accident one of the most serious workplace incidents in Singapore in recent years. He said Singapore had made significant improvements to workplace safety and health over the last 15 years. For instance, the fatal injury rate at workplaces was reduced from 4.9 per 100,000 workers in 2004, to 1.1 per 100,000 workers in 2019. But he cautioned against being complacent. He said: "While we have made significant progress, the recent spate of fatal incidents is evidence that we must never be complacent and maintain high safety standards. "We cannot afford to let down our guard, because every life lost is a breadwinner and a loved one lost. "I strongly urge all our industry stakeholders to continue to pay close attention to workplace safety as we restart our economy in a safe manner amidst the pandemic." He added MOM will share its priorities for the coming year at the annual Committee of Supply debate in Parliament next week, where he will elaborate on the ministry's continued efforts in ensuring good safety practices at workplaces. More on this topic Related Story 'Some ran out screaming': Eyewitness who helped victims in Tuas fire Related Story 10 people taken to hospital with burn injuries after explosion in Tuas industrial building
BRYAN, OH, Feb 15, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - ALG Health announced today that it received National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Surgical N95 approval for three of its Made in the U.S.A. Patriot Masks. The approvals are for the ALG Health Foldable N95 Respirator and both sizes of their Molded N95 Respirators. The surgical ratings state these products are approved and cleared for use in Healthcare settings under Food & Drug Administration (FDA)/NIOSH MOU 225-18-006 regulations. ALG Health first received NIOSH N95 ratings on all their Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFR) in November 2020, meeting the OSHA and CDC product and manufacturing standards."Acquiring this next level approval for the N95 surgical rating is extremely exciting for us," said Adam Harmon, President and CEO of ALG Health. "The largest segment we work with are those in the Healthcare industry, these credentials will give them the comfort level they deserve to know they are wearing a quality mask, that will help protect them while saving lives."The process to become (NIOSH) approved includes both a documentation and facility review to ensure that the product and the manufacturing process meet the given requirements. Not only must the product filter particulates at or above 95%, but the manufacturing and quality assurance procedures must also qualify. "The entire (NIOSH) organization has been great to work with during this time," Harmon noted, "even during this pandemic, they prioritized getting American manufacturers through the process as efficiently as possible."Not only is ALG Health providing protection to those that wear their masks, but they are also improving those lives of the American workforce. ALG is now employing approximately 150 local workers at their two manufacturing facilities in Northwest Ohio. The company operates a 100,000 sq ft facility in Bryan, Ohio, and a smaller 10,000 sq ft facility in Defiance, Ohio. ALG Health is also in the process of expanding its distribution network. "We are looking for reputable distributors in the Healthcare, Government, and industrial/commercial segments," said Brian Feeney, VP of Sales and Marketing. "The demand for our high-quality American made products has been outstanding and we expect with the new surgical rating it will increase greatly. Finding the right distributor partners is paramount, as it is the ALG Health brand they will be representing."About NIOSHThe Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 external icon established (NIOSH) as a research agency focused on the study of worker safety and health, and empowering employers and workers to create safe and healthy workplaces. (NIOSH) is part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It has the mandate to assure "every man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources." (NIOSH) has more than 1,300 employees from a diverse set of fields including epidemiology, medicine, nursing, industrial hygiene, safety, psychology, chemistry, statistics, economics, and many branches of engineering. Visit https://www.osha.gov.About ALG HealthALG Health is a 2020 division of the parent company, Axis LED Group, a manufacturer of commercial and governmental LED lighting. Using its manufacturing expertise, ALG Health produces personal protective equipment, including disposable surgical masks and medical-grade respirators. Having previously received (NIOSH) approval and now the (NIOSH) Surgical rating, the company is concentrating on servicing the medical community, first responders, military, manufacturing and humanitarian efforts. Visit https://www.alg-health.com.Media Contact:Brian C. FeeneyALG Health+1-877-798-6275info@alg-health.com Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Education (MOE) had implemented additional protocols to enhance safety for zipline activity at all schools since January 5 after an incident involving a Primary 4 pupil in February last year. In response to queries from The Straits Times, MOE said on Tuesday (Feb 9) that the girl from Concord Primary School in Choa Chu Kang fell while doing a zipline activity in the school. The MOE spokesman added that "the school had rendered full support to the student and family for her medical treatment and return to school". After the incident, all height-based activities in schools were suspended and the suspension was extended till January owing to the Covid-19 situation. The instructor in last February's incident was also removed from MOE's registry and has been suspended from offering services to all MOE schools. MOE's spokesman said: "The safety of our students is of utmost priority to us and we view these incidents very seriously. Following the incident, we reviewed our processes and implemented additional protocols to enhance safety for zipline activity." Such protocols include having an additional instructor to check that everything is in accordance with the safety checklist before a participant is allowed to get on the zipline. The updated protocol came into effect on Jan 5 and was issued to schools that have zipline systems. In addition, schools must ensure the instructors have the relevant certifications before hiring vendors for such activities. Schools also need to have at least one certified person on site to handle rescue situations when necessary. Such qualifications would include the Outward Bound Challenge Course Instructor Level 2 (valid only at MOE facilities), Association for Challenge Course Technology Level 2 Full Certification or equivalent documented Challenge Course rescue and certification. Earlier this month (Feb 3), a 15-year-old student from Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), Jethro Puah, died after an accident at Safra Yishun. More on this topic Related Story Schools suspend activities involving heights after ACS(I) boy's death at Safra Yishun The police said the student lost his footing during a high-element activity at about 2pm on Feb 2 and was "suspended by the safety harness" in mid-air. He lost consciousness while suspended in the air, and paramedics from the Singapore Civil Defence Force tried to resuscitate him at the scene before taking him to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, where he died the following morning. All schools have suspended outdoor activities involving heights with immediate effect from Feb 4. More on this topic Related Story ACS(I) student who died after accident at Safra Yishun sent off in private funeral Related Story ACS(I) teen who died after Safra Yishun accident was 'a loving son and caring friend': Family
SINGAPORE (THE NEW PAPER) - Another investigation has been launched over a possible breach of safety measures at a hotel at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS). Videos of a group of at least six women and a man were uploaded on social media on Sunday (Nov 15), when they allegedly held a party to celebrate the 33rd week of pregnancy of one of the women. Some of the women had uploaded several videos on Instagram, showing themselves play-fighting with pillows and clothes on beds. Social gatherings of more than five people are prohibited due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Responding to queries from The New Paper on Monday, Mr Chew Tiong Heng, executive director of infrastructure planning and management at the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), said it was aware of the alleged incident and was investigating. "STB takes a serious view of any breach in safe management measures," he said. "Hotels are required to comply with all safe management measures, including ensuring that gatherings do not exceed five people if they are not from the same household." An RWS spokesman said it takes a serious view of non-compliance and requires all guests to be registered with the hotel front desk. Safe management measures are highlighted to guests during check-in, and signs are displayed at common areas as a reminder. He said: "We strongly urge all guests to strictly observe and adhere to all safe management measures for the health, safety and well-being of the Singapore community." This is the second such gathering at RWS that has allegedly breached safe management rules in as many months. Last month, it was reported that a group of at least 10 people, mostly women, were seen drinking and dining together in a hotel suite there. Investigations over the incident are being done. A reader tipped off TNP on the latest alleged incident and claimed it involved six women and two men who held significant influence over youth here. One of the women involved has about 57,000 followers on Instagram. The posts have all been removed from their Instagram accounts. More on this topic Related Story Alleged party in RWS hotel room sparks Covid-19 safety measures probe Individuals who breach safety measures may be fined up to $10,000, or jailed for up to six months, or both. The maximum sentence is doubled for repeat offenders. Asked what possible action may be taken if such breaches repeatedly occur at the same location, Mr Chew said hotels that are found to be non-compliant may face closure of its premises. Businesses that do not comply may also be ineligible for government grants, loans, tax rebates and other forms of assistance. Rules for staycations at hotels Staycations are allowed at hotels approved by the Singapore Tourism Board and Ministry of Trade and Industry. The hotels must comply with existing safe management measures, such as the wearing of masks and practice of safe distancing in public and common areas. Gatherings, even those in private rooms and adjoining rooms, must be limited to five persons or fewer. The exception is if the gathering consists only of people who have already been living in the same household, each with the same address. All hotel guests are required to register themselves and use SafeEntry for entry and exit. The use of TraceTogether is encouraged. There must be staggered timings for guests to be at the hotel lobby and at guest facilities, as well as employees at the back-of-house work environment. More on this topic Related Story Many planning to use tourism vouchers for staycations and attractions Related Story Yachts and pool villas: Families splurge on big-ticket staycays for school holidays