In a media statement issued today in response to the Jurong Shipyard jackup rig mishap, the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) said it wanted to assure workers that help was available, if employers were unable or unwilling to do so, and that MWC would continue to monitor the situation closely.
“The Migrant Workers’ Centre is saddened to hear of the unfortunate incident in Jurong yesterday and extends its sympathies to the injured workers. We are confident that their employer will do all that is necessary to see to their needs in this critical time.
“We are in contact with MOM regarding the provision of assistance to any of the injured foreign workers and had sent a team to visit some of the workers in hospital last evening,” said Mr Edmund Ng, Executive Director of the Migrant Workers’ Centre.
In separate statements also issued today, the Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Employees’ Union and Workplace Safety and Health Secretariat extended their responses to the incident as well.
“Union representatives have been in touch with the company and workers to extend our assistance. Workers’ lives and workplace safety is of the utmost importance, and we urge Jurong Shipyard to do the necessary rectification to ensure that such an incident will not happen again,” said Mr Mah Cheong Fatt, Executive Secretary of the Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Employees’ Union.
Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, Director, Workplace Safety and Health Secretariat added in his statement: “We note with concern the magnitude of the accident and am relieved that there have been no fatalities. We wish all affected workers an early recovery and stand ready with the union SMEEU to provide any assistance required.
“It is important for the management to review its safety management system to ensure workers are not exposed to risks at work and put the necessary steps in place to prevent reoccurrence.”
