SINGAPORE : Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong has called for a
mindset change in the construction industry towards safety.
He says the Government can put the necessary legislative framework
in place, but developers and contractors must play their part in
ensuring that their organisations accord the highest priority and
commitment to building a safety culture at all levels.
A mindset change is most difficult but necessary as changes to
processes and procedures will not be effective without it.
Mr Yeo feels it is time to change the perception of the
construction industry from one that prioritises the cost and timely
delivery of projects, to one that places safety as a top priority
by integrating safety into the overall project planning and
management framework.
But to bring about this mindset change, everyone -- including the
Government, regulators, developers, contractors, as well as staff
and workers -- must work together to bring about a quantum leap in
occupational safety and health in Singapore.
Mr Yeo was speaking at the Land Transport Authority's Safety Award
convention on Monday.
The annual event is to recognise outstanding contractors for their
commitment to high safety standards.
Nine contractors received awards for their good track record in
safety management, with 16 others receiving certificates of
participation.
In his speech, Mr Yeo also outlined areas the Land Transport
Authority is looking into to provide incentives for contractors to
give top priority to safety.
It is considering expanding its safety performance scheme for new
civil works contracts to include existing projects and for larger
contracts.
It is also enhancing its tender evaluation process by adopting the
Price-Quality Method.
The price and quality criteria would be assessed separately, with
the safety component comprising at least 10 percent of the quality
criterion.
The LTA has issued a checklist to its staff so they are clear when
a stop work order should be issued.
It will also set up a system to allow anyone working on site, or
associated with site work, to alert its Safety Department of unsafe
practices or potentially dangerous situations. - CNA /ct
Change the bidding system! 