1.  To drive home the message that every individual has a part to play in ensuring Workplace Safety and Health (WSH), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has – for the first time – introduced a new individual award, the “WSH Officer Recognition Award” at the 17^th LTA Annual Safety Award Convention (ASAC).

2.  In previous years, the awards were only presented to contractors who have shown excellence in safety strategies. With this new award, LTA aims to go beyond instilling a culture of safety at an organisational level, but also recognises individuals who have contributed in enhancing workplace safety.

A Skilled and Safer Workforce

3.  Held today at the Singapore Polytechnic Convention Centre, the theme for this year’s convention is, “Skilled Workforce: Towards a Safe and Productive Worksite”, which was chosen to reinforce the importance of having a skilled workforce while reducing the occupational hazards and risks in the process.

4.  Speaking at the event, LTA Chairman, Mr Michael Lim highlighted LTA’s efforts in pioneering the requirement for more skilled workers in the construction sector. This requirement is currently implemented for the Thomson East-Coast Line (TEL) projects where contractors are required to employ 15 per cent of highly skilled craftsmen for reinforced concrete works.

23 Contractors Honoured

5.  A total of 23 contractors were honoured for their excellent WSH practices in the past year. For the first time, two contractors – GS Engineering & Construction Corp (GS E&C) and KTC Civil Engineering & Construction Pte Ltd (KTCCE), were presented with the top award, the LTA Contractors Challenge Shield. GS E&C was recognised for its work on Contract 925 to construct the Tampines East Station while KTCCE was recognised for its work on Contract 925A to construct the Tampines Station. Both stations are part of the Downtown Line 3 (DTL3) project.

6.  This year, a total of 59 participating contracts from various categories were eligible for the award. The finalists for the LTA Contractors Challenge Shield are shortlisted under the Mega Category following a stringent audit, which includes a comprehensive review of the site's WSH management system and worksite practices. Please refer to Annex A for the full list of winners.

About ASAC

7.  ASAC was inaugurated in 1999 to recognise contractors who have been proactive and successful in promoting WSH management practices at their worksites, ensuring high health, safety and welfare standards of the workers, and giving due consideration to protecting the public and the environment.