Review of Safety Measures for Loading of Cranes, Especially Near Public Roads

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Manpower with regard to the accident on 9 April 2024 where a crane toppled and crushed a van while it was loaded up a truck (a) what are the existing safety measures imposed for the loading and unloading of cranes; and (b) whether the Ministry plans to impose stricter safety measures for cranes operating near public roads.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) stipulates safety measures for the loading and unloading of cranes, which include statements of methods and safety procedures that must take into account site constraints and the width and angle of ramps. Other required measures include ensuring the stability of the ground, cordoning off the potential collapse zone and the deployment of competent and trained operators.

Companies should refer to the approved Code of Practice – Singapore Standard 663: Code of practice for safe loading on vehicles – and Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council's WSH Guidelines on Safe Loading and Unloading on Vehicles.

Since 2019, there were only three incidents involving loading or unloading of heavy machineries. Of which, two resulted in minor injuries and one with no injury. MOM will review if additional measures are required, after investigations on the incident on 9 April 2024 are completed.