SINGAPORE: Starting in 2027, all Singaporean crane operators may enroll in a guide training course at least once every three times.  ,
The move, announced on Wednesday ( Nov 6), is part of efforts to improve workplace safety and health ( WSH) excellence, said the Ministry of Manpower ( MOM).
Between 2022 and 2023, vehicular accidents were the leading cause of office mortality, and a third of these mortality involved trucks, according to the ministry’s press transfer.  ,
Nearly 80 % of forklift-related infractions involved technicians who had not received refresher training within three years, according to MOM’s checks from the same time.  ,
All device users may attend a refresher training program once every three years after the first instruction course has been completed, according to MOM.  ,
According to the government, the new condition will become effective from 2027, giving forklift operators enough time to complete the guide training.  ,
Next year, a new improved forklift operator guide training course will be introduced, which will teach operators essential skills through both theoretical and practical training, according to MOM.
The program will cover essential safety concepts, business guidelines, learnings from previous incidents and hands-on exercise.  ,
Participants will acquire training in recognizing and managing possible risks, update their knowledge of how to operate a forklift, and prepare them for daily operational challenges, according to the ministry.  ,
This will raise crane operators ‘ awareness of health and encourage compliance with safety standards.
Forklift users are advised to finish the training right away to stay up to date with secure running procedures, according to the government.
Businesses and principals are responsible for making sure their employees finish the refresher program asap before allowing them to use forklifts, according to the statement.
More information about the refresher training condition may be provided at a later time, according to MOM.