In a shocking turn of events, SMRT Trains, one of Singapore’s prominent rail operators, finds itself facing legal repercussions for a devastating workplace incident.
They were charged on 17 October with one count of failing to take measures to ensure the safety of their workers at a depot, according to The Straits Times.
The incident, which took place at the Bishan Depot in March 2020, resulted in the tragic death of a technical officer, 30-year-old Muhammad Afiq Senawi, who suffered severe injuries while on duty.
A Tragic Day at Bishan Depot
On March 23, 2020, Muhammad Afiq Senawi was operating a hydraulic press machine, a powerful industrial tool, at the Bishan Depot.
Tragically, during the operation, a spacer rod was forcefully ejected from the machine, breaking through safety fencing and striking him in the face.
The consequences of this incident were fatal, and Mr. Senawi was rushed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and died that morning.
Safety Measures in Question
During a coroner’s inquiry in 2021, alarming details emerged regarding safety measures at the depot. The court heard that SMRT Trains allegedly failed to implement several critical safety measures:
- Pressure Gauge Installation: It was alleged that SMRT Trains did not install a pressure gauge for the hydraulic press machine after it was dismantled for repair.
- Hazardous Zone Demarcation: The rail operator was accused of failing to demarcate a hazardous zone, which would keep operators at a safe distance from the machine during its operation.
- Pressure Valve Limitations: The company purportedly did not limit the maximum operating pressure of the machine using pressure valves.
- Inadequate Guarding: SMRT Trains allegedly did not ensure adequate guarding for the machine to withstand the force exerted by a workpiece shooting out during operation.
- Interlocking Workpieces: It was also claimed that the firm did not ensure that workpieces used with the hydraulic press machine were engaged and interlocked to prevent displacement during operation.
Previous conviction
This is not the first time SMRT Trains has faced legal consequences for safety lapses. On February 28, 2017, the rail operator was convicted following an incident that resulted in the death of two individuals.
In this case, two trainee employees, part of a 15-member team checking on a fault related to switching equipment on the MRT tracks, were struck by a train near Pasir Ris MRT station.
The company was fined $400,000 for this tragic incident.
Legal Ramifications
The current charges against SMRT Trains carry significant weight. If found guilty, the rail operator can face fines of up to $1 million. The case has been adjourned to November 30.
This tragic incident at the Bishan Depot serves as a somber reminder of the paramount importance of ensuring safety in the workplace. Employers must uphold the highest standards of safety measures to protect their employees from harm.