Pledge for Zero- A CEO Commitment Charter -

We pledge to deliver

* A workplace guided by a safety policy that states clearly its safety philosophy and objectives* Leadership in safety that cut across all staff levels* A governance structure to ensure effective safety management* A budget plan with allocation of adequate resources to achieve that safety goals* Safety strategies and plans at each stage of project from conception to completion* Effective 2-way communication on safety* Effective contractor management system with clearly defined safety goals and appropriate incentive schemes

We believe that

* Safety is vital in everything that we do* All safety incidents are preventable* All workplace exposures can be managed and controlled* Everyone is responsible for safety and management is ultimately accountable for the outcome* Good safety values bring good business results

Mrs Cheong Koon HeanCEO (HDB) & Deputy Secretary(Special Duties), MND

CEOs “Pledge for Zero” during the Construction CEO Summit

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Mr Sng Cheng KehDeputy CEO (Building)

HDB SAFETY SEMINAR 2010

CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AWARD 2010 WINNERS :

* Straits Construction (Award & Merit)

* Welltech (Award)

* Chip Eng Seng (Award)

* Thong Huat Brothers (Award)

* EAC Corporation (Award)

* Shanghai Construction (Merit)

* Master Contract Services (Merit)

In 2009, the Accident Frequency Rate (AFR) for HDB worksites was 0.43 accidents per million man-hours. This is way below the construction industry average of 2.9 accidents per million man-hours. Inspite of the increase in building projects in the 1st three quarters of this year, we have brought down the AFR to 0.23 accidents per million man-hours. I would like to thank all our business partners for their concerted effort and commitment in raising the WSH standards in HDB worksites and providing a safe working environment for the workers.

HDB is committed to the pledge to achieve zero injury at our worksites. To achieve this, we need the support and commitment from all our business partners. Everybody has a role to play in ensuring safety. Whether you are the Managing Director, Project Manager, Architect, Engineer, Safety Supervisor or worker, you have the responsibility to make sure the site activities and work processes are safe. ‘Think Safety & Work Safely!’

We would like to give recognition to our contractors for achieving outstanding safety performances for their HDB projects in 2009. The Construction Safety Award is presented to contractors who have shown full commitment in ensuring workplace safety and have achieved zero accident in their projects. We hope the Award will spur and motivate all our contractors and consultants to do even better in the safety management of their projects.

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HDB has been bizSAFE Partner since June 2008

Benefits of bizSAFE

* A sound WSH system that complies with statutory requirements

* A safer environment for employees

* Recognition and privileges for WSH efforts

* Competitive edge over business rivals

* Subsidies for WSH capability building

For more info on bizSAFE, please refer to www.wshc.gov.sg

What is bizSAFE?

A programme to help companies, in particular Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), build up their workplace safety and health capabilities through a five-step process.

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Crane Safety

The importance of crane safety has become more critical as more HDB projects are now in the built-up areas. The safe use of crane protects not only for site staff and workers, but also the public and properties adjacent to thedevelopment site.

SAFETY IN LIFTING OPERATIONS

The common lapses in crane related incidents are due to the lack of proper planning, poor risk management, inadequate training and supervision of workers, as well as the lack of crane maintenance.

Below are some considerations which can help to prevent the common lapses from happening at the work sites.

1. PLANNING & SUPERVISION

* To ensure crane safety, there must be proper planning and close supervision. * Comprehensive planning, method statements, risk assessments and Permit-to-Work system

* Effective communication and dissemination of information to all parties involved

* Competent lifting supervisor to oversee the lifting works

* Clearly defined lifting area and provision of firm ground for crane access

Article on Safe Handling of Cranes

Steel plates provided for crane access

Tower cranes in operation

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2. EQUIPMENT

All safety devices and equipment must be in good working condition.

* All lifting machines, gears and appliances to be inspected by Authorised Examiner

* Comprehensive inspection and maintenance regime

Crane Safety

Slewing Limit Switch Moment Limit Switch

Warning signages at lifting zones

Area for lifting works barricaded

Article on Safe Handling of Cranes

3. HUMAN FACTOR

While human behaviour can be unpredictable at times, strict compliance and supervision can reduce the tendency for unsafe acts to a minimum.

* Registered crane operator must possess relevant crane operating experience

* All lifting team members must be trained and qualified

* Risk assessments are effectively communicated to the lifting team

* Adequate rest and provide stagger shifts to prevent fatigue to workers

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In March 2010, a tower crane collapsed during the dismantling process at one of the HDB construction worksites. The incident resulted in 1 death and 3 injuries.

LESSONS LEARNT

Conduct Risk AssessmentBefore dismantling the tower crane, the competent person has to identify the potential hazards and take appropriate actions to eliminate the hazards or reduce the risks involved.

Conduct Safety Briefing Before erection or dismantling of a tower crane, the Project Manager shall brief all personnel involved to ensure proper procedures are followed. All parties must understand their roles & responsibilities.

Control and SupervisionThe contractor shall ensure control and supervision to adhere to the established safe & correct work procedures.

Tower crane boom after collapse

Tower crane mast after collapse

Tower Crane Collapsed

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Top 3 Incident Types in HDB Worksites (Jan 2009 to Sep 2010)

Accident Frequency Rate (Year 1977 – 2009)

HDB Safety Performance

All Rights Reserved. No part of this Newsletter may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of HDB.

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No. ofIncident

Caught inBetween Objects

Struck byObjects

Worker Fellfrom Height

Editorial Team:

Er. Ng Yew SongEr. Goh Keng CheongAlan Law Cze Hong Eng Boon Kai

Advisor: Er. Yap Tiem Yew

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