WSH Council urges greater vigilance on machinery safety in manufacturing sector

25 March 2025

On 25 February 2025, the Workplace Safety and Health Council (“WSH Council”) issued a press release calling for greater vigilance on machinery safety in the manufacturing sector. Details are set out below. 

The WSH Council has observed increases in workplace injuries within the manufacturing sector around the end of the first quarter each year. Given that machine-related injuries are among the top WSH concerns within this sector, the WSH Council urges companies to exercise greater vigilance and adopt the following measures to prevent incidents: 

  • Automate machine operations, where possible: Automation reduces the need for human-machine interaction, thereby reducing exposure to machine hazards. 
  • Ensure machines bought are safe: Acquire machines that are inherently safer, such as those with no access to or have limited force exerted by moving parts, to reduce harm to operators. 
  • Review existing machines: Inspect each machine to identify exposed moving parts during operation. In consultation with manufacturers/suppliers, design and install customised machine guards at locations with exposed moving parts, and ensure these guards are not deliberately removed during operations. 
  • Schedule regular preventive maintenance for machines: Regular maintenance helps to prevent breakdowns. To also ensure only trained maintenance technicians are allowed to repair/maintain the machineries, and that lockout/tagout procedures are implemented before starting the maintenance work. 
  • Follow safe operating procedures: Allow only trained and authorised personnel to operate machines, educate them on hazards and control measures associated with machine use, and ensure they follow safe work procedures during operations. 

The WSH Council also reminds manufacturers, suppliers, installers, and modifiers of machinery that the list of machinery in the Fifth Schedule of the Workplace Safety and Health Act 2006 was expanded to include more classes of higher-risk machinery on 1 January 2025.

Reference materials

The press release is available on the WSH Council website www.tal.sg/wshc.