Call to Construction Industry for Continuous Vigilance as Chinese New Year Approaches

03 Jan 2025 Announcements

As the Chinese New Year approaches, the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council calls on the construction industry to have continuous vigilance as projects are rushed to be completed as much as possible before the festive break. Manpower might become tighter, and the level of supervision reduced as workers go on leave. WSH should not be compromised.

Workers struck by falling objects are of particular concern, as this was the cause of several recent fatal workplace incidents. Such accidents can occur during work activities such as lifting operations, formwork and demolition related works. Companies should identify the risk of falling objects and implement the following control measures (non-exhaustive):

Lifting Operations 

  • Lifting plan (LP) and permit-to-work (PTW) system: Establish and implement a PTW system and an LP for all lifting operations. The LP must include the type of load to be lifted, rigging method, sketch of the lifting zone, and safe position(s) workers are to adopt during the lifting operation.
  • Competent lifting team (LT): Deploy only LT members who have been trained for their respective roles (e.g. crane operator, rigger, signalman, lifting supervisor). 
  • Demarcated lifting zone: Designate and cordon off the lifting zone. Instruct workers not to stand under a suspended load and stay clear of the lifting zone during lifting operations.
  • Proper rigging method: Ensure the rigging method for the specific load is detailed in the lifting plan and communicated to the LT. 

Formwork-related Works

  • Safe work procedure (SWP): Establish an SWP for formwork erection, use and dismantling. The SWP should include measures to prevent accidents due to falling objects.
  • Secure all tools and components: Secure all tools and components of the formwork structure properly to reduce the possibility of an object being dropped from height.
  • Danger zone demarcation: Demarcate and physically cordon off the danger zone. Do not allow workers into the danger zone(s) when there is ongoing works overhead.

Demolition 

  • Safe demolition method: Establish and familiarise workers with safe work methods including the equipment to be used, the sequence of demolition, and approach to the demolition.
  • Competent worker: Deploy only workers who have completed a demolition course and received WSH training on the hazards of demolition work.
  • Work supervision: Provide onsite supervision to ensure demolition works are carried out according to the safe work method.
It is important to prioritise the elimination of risks (e.g. secure components properly) and/or to implement engineering control measures (e.g. install toeboards along edges). 

Personal protective equipment such as safety helmets should be the last line of defence against the hazard of falling objects.