An unfortunate accident that occurred on the morning of 6 June has left one SMRT technician killed and another injured.
The technician, a 43-year-old Singapore permanent resident, and another worker, 44, were injured while repairing the mini-bus at the Automotive Services commercial repair centre at Ang Mo Kio depot.
According to the report, the two technicians were working under a vehicle when one of the two-car jacks holding it up collapsed, causing the vehicle to fall on the workers.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is said to have received a call at about 9.45 am for assistance at 6 Ang Mo Kio Street 62.
Both men were taken to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. One person sustained a serious head injury while the other complained of chest pain, said SCDF.
Mr Venkatesan P V, general manager of SMRT Automotive Services said that SMRT is providing assistance and support to the family of the technician who succumbed to his injuries and passed away, while the other injured employee has been discharged from the hospital and is now on medical leave.
Police investigations into the unnatural deaths are ongoing.
Union lending support
The National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU) said that union leaders are in touch with the family of the deceased worker to provide help and support.
According to NTWU executive secretary Melvin Yong, the union has also provided a token sum to tide the family through this trying period.
He also added that the union will be working with SMRT Automotive Services and the relevant agencies to investigate what happened, and to review the current safety measures and safety protocols where necessary.
Carjacks should not be used to lift heavy vehicles
Meanwhile, a stop-work order has been given to the Automotive Services commercial repair centre at Ang Mo Kio Depot, while the other automotive workshops conducted a safety time-out.
The Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council said that carjacks should not be used to lift heavy vehicles such as buses and lorries. Instead, jacking equipment for heavy vehicles should be used.
The council also added that vehicle stands and props should also be used to provide additional support and where available, a vehicle maintenance pit or purpose-built vehicle ramp or lift should be used as well.
[irp posts=”2733″ name=”Jamus Lim adds insult to injury with ‘clarification'”]
