Seven workplaces told to stop operations for safe-management lapses: MOM

THE Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has issued 52 composition fines of S$1,000 each to Singapore employers for failing to comply with safe-management requirements at their workplaces, as at 5pm on Monday.

It also ordered seven workplaces to cease operations for lapses in safe-management measures. Of these, six had many employees on site even though the staff were able to perform their work from home, while one was due to multiple lapses in implementing safe-management measures.

After rectifying their practices, all seven have since been allowed to resume operations, MOM said in a Facebook post on Tuesday morning.

The ministry added that it works closely with companies to review areas for improvement to their safe-management systems, during and after inspections.

In the two weeks since some of Singapore's "circuit-breaker" measures were lifted for the reopening's first phase, MOM has inspected close to 1,000 workplaces as part of its islandwide enforcement operations to ensure all employers have implemented a system of safe-management measures.

"This is to ensure that community transmission remains low as more business activities resume," MOM added.

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Meanwhile, the ministry has also observed more good practices adopted by companies, during its inspections in the second week of enforcement. These include putting in place the SafeEntry visitor-management system for employees and visitors, and requiring staff to wear masks.

Others have implemented more flexible work arrangements, such as staggered work hours and lunch breaks, and split teams for employees.

"These concerted efforts have been and will continue to be vital in keeping community transmissions low, and pave the way for a gradual and safe reopening. We must stay disciplined, vigilant and not let our guard down," said Mohd Ismadi, director of MOM's occupational safety and health specialist department.

Those who wish to report issues with safe-management measures may submit their feedback through MOM's SnapSAFE mobile app.