Blog
Powering Safety:
PPG’s Commitment to OHS Excellence
7 November 2024
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is not merely a regulatory requirement for PPG; rather, it is a core value that underpins every aspect of our operations. Therefore, as a leading provider of power solutions, PPG prioritises the safety of its employees, contractors, and the public by implementing rigorous health and safety measures across all facilities. In this blog, we will explore how our power solutions are designed with safety as a foremost priority.
PPG's Safety Excellence
On 30 July 2024, PPG received a Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Award, further highlighting our unwavering dedication to maintaining high safety standards across all operations. In addition, this accolade reinforces our commitment to creating a safe working environment for all stakeholders.
Moreover, we received an excellence award from the PDG project for our contribution in achieving an impressive 3 million safe man-hours without a lost time injury. Together, these recognitions showcase our effective safety protocols and commitment to OHS excellence.
Relevant ISO Standards
In Singapore, compliance with international standards is vital for ensuring workplace safety. One such standard is ISO 45001:2018, which focuses on Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. This globally recognised standard helps organisations identify and manage OHS risks, thereby ensuring a safe working environment for employees. By aligning our practices with ISO 45001, we not only meet regulatory requirements, we further demonstrate our commitment to continuous improvement in health and safety performance.
Recent Workplace Fatalities in Singapore
Despite the focus on safety, recent incidents in Singapore remind us of the critical importance of ongoing vigilance. For instance:
| 4 Jan | A construction worker fell 7.5m at the Jurong Region Line site, marking the first fatal workplace accident of the year. |
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| 17 Feb | A 59-year-old commercial diver failed to surface while cleaning a ship’s hull, resulting in his death. |
| 9 Mar | Two trucks collided near the Singapore Zoo, killing a truck driver. |
| 16 Mar | A food production machine in Bedok caught a 23-year-old worker. |
| 22 Apr | A forklift struck a Bangladeshi migrant worker in the neck, leading to his death. |
| 23 May | A PUB subcontractor inhaled hydrogen sulphide gas while cleaning tanks, which caused his death. Another worker was severely affected. |
| 28 May | Toxic gas at PUB’s Choa Chu Kang Waterworks claimed the life of a second worker. |
| 18 June | A Malaysian diver got entangled with a boat propeller while cleaning a ship’s hull and died. |
| 27 June | Falling steel bars at the RTS Link worksite fatally struck a Bangladeshi worker. |
| 1 Aug | A falling pipe struck a Bangladeshi worker on the head at a construction site, leading to his death. |
| 16 Aug | A steel frame killed a worker during crane operations at a worksite. |
| 28 Aug | A dump truck reversing at a Changi worksite ran over and killed a construction worker. |
| 4 Sep | A crew member drowned after the tugboat he was on sank in Singapore waters. |
| 17 Sep | Heavy machinery struck and killed a site engineer and a construction worker at Lentor Avenue. |
| 19 Sep | A fire at an industrial building in Kaki Bukit claimed the lives of two men. |
| 29 Sep | A collapsing steel structure at Sentosa fatally struck a Bangladeshi worker. |
| 11 Oct | A concrete drain channel struck and killed a construction worker at a McNair Road worksite. |
| 21 Oct | A steel gate fell on and killed a 55-year-old worker at a Yishun construction site. |
Designing Power Solutions with Safety in Mind
At PPG, safety is at the heart of our power solutions. Not only are our products engineered for efficiency, but also for risk mitigation. By incorporating advanced safety features into our designs, we ensure that our systems protect both operators and equipment from potential hazards. Furthermore, this commitment extends beyond product design; it encompasses our entire operational ethos, ensuring that safety remains a core consideration in every decision we make.
Engaging Employees in Safety Initiatives
Employee engagement is critical to our success. In fact, facilities that actively involve their workforce in safety discussions experience significantly lower rates of incidents. Therefore, we encourage open communication and feedback from all employees to foster a collaborative approach towards workplace safety. Additionally, we organise regular safety trainings and workshops, reinforcing the importance of vigilance and teamwork in maintaining a safe environment.
As we move forward, PPG remains steadfast in its mission to uphold OHS excellence. By continuing to prioritise safety in every aspect of our operations—from employee training to product design—we are not just protecting lives; we are setting a standard for the industry. Ultimately, our aim is to lead by example and create a safer future for all.
Stay Tuned!
In our next blog post, we’ll explore the vital role of teamwork and communication in ensuring workplace safety. Furthermore, discover how PPG adopts new regulations and technologies, while highlighting our employees' collaborative efforts in safety inspections and training. In the meantime, join us as we continue to reinforce our commitment to OHS excellence!
References
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Aqil, H. (2024). 1 worker dead, 2 in ICU after inhaling poisonous fumes at PUB’s Choa Chu Kang Waterworks. Retrieved from The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/worker-dies-2-in-icu-after-inhaling-poisonous-fumes-at-pub-choa-chu-kang-worksite
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Hui Shan, C. (2024). Construction worker dies after being struck by falling steel frame at Pioneer worksite. Retrieved from The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/worker-dies-after-getting-caught-in-a-food-production-machine-at-factory-in-bedok
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Koh, S. (2024). 1 worker dead, 2 in ICU after inhaling poisonous fumes at PUB’s Choa Chu Kang Waterworks. Retrieved from The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/construction-worker-dies-after-being-struck-by-falling-steel-frame-at-pioneer-worksite
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Kok, Y. (2024). Construction worker dies three days after iron pipe fell five storeys and struck him. Retrieved from The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/construction-worker-dies-after-iron-pipe-fell-five-storeys-and-struck-him
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Kok, Y. (2024). One worker dies, another hurt in accident at RTS Link station worksite in Woodlands. Retrieved from The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/construction-worker-dies-another-hurt-in-accident-at-rts-station-worksite-in-woodlands
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Koh, Y. (2024). One worker dies, another hurt in accident at RTS Link station worksite in Woodlands. Retrieved from The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/construction-worker-dies-another-hurt-in-accident-at-rts-station-worksite-in-woodlands
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Kok, Y. (2024). Two workers killed in accident at North-South Corridor worksite in Lentor Avenue. Retrieved from The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/two-workers-killed-in-accident-at-north-south-corridor-worksite-in-lentor-avenue
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Koh, Y. (2024). Worker dies after falling 7.5m at Jurong Region Line work site. Retrieved from The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/worker-dies-after-falling-75m-at-jurong-region-line-work-site
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Lim, K. (2024). Construction worker dies at Changi worksite after being run over by reversing dump truck. Retrieved from The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/construction-worker-dies-at-changi-worksite-after-being-run-over-by-reversing-dump-truck
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Lim, K. (2024). Second worker dies after inhaling toxic fumes at PUB’s Choa Chu Kang Waterworks. Retrieved from The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/second-worker-dies-after-inhaling-poisonous-fumes-at-pub-s-choa-chu-kang-waterworks
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Lim, K. (2024). Worker dies in accident at Sentosa worksite. Retrieved from The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/man-dies-in-work-related-accident-at-sentosa
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Lim, K. (2024). Worker dies in accident involving two trucks at worksite in Mandai. Retrieved from The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/commercial-diver-dies-after-failing-to-surface-while-cleaning-ship-s-hull-at-marina-south-pier
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The Straits Times. (2024). Man dies after tugboat sinks in Singapore waters; search for other crew member continues. Retrieved from The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/man-dies-after-tugboat-sinks-in-singapore-waters-search-ongoing-for-other-crew-member
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Wong, A. (2024). Bangladeshi migrant worker dies after forklift incident in Sungei Kadut. Retrieved from The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/bangladeshi-migrant-worker-dies-after-forklift-incident-in-sungei-kadut
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Wong, S. (2024). Commercial diver dies after failing to surface while cleaning ship’s hull off East Coast. Retrieved from The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/commercial-diver-dies-after-failing-to-surface-while-cleaning-ship-s-hull-at-marina-south-pier
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Wong, S. (2024). Malaysian diver, 22, dies after getting entangled with boat propeller while cleaning ship’s hull. Retrieved from The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/malaysian-diver-22-dies-after-getting-entangled-with-boat-propeller-while-cleaning-ship-s-hull
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Zaihan, M., & Sim, S. (2024). 2 dead after fire breaks out at Kaki Bukit industrial building. Retrieved from The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/scdf-fighting-blaze-at-kaki-bukit-industrial-building