Tragedy Unveils Accountability: Oil Refinery Supervisor Sentenced to 5 Months in Jail Following Fatal Gas Leak
In a devastating incident at a Jurong Island oil refinery, the repercussions of a safety lapse resulted in a worker's death and injuries to two others. Ng Teck Chuan, a supervisor at the Singapore Refining Company (SRC), faced the consequences of his negligence as he failed to ensure the safe isolation of hazardous gas and liquid pipelines before permitting maintenance works. The subsequent release of hydrogen sulphide and other hazardous materials on September 17, 2020, claimed the life of one worker, Palanivel Pandidurai, and left two others injured, suffering from chemical burns.
Ng Teck Chuan, 51, was sentenced to five months in jail after pleading guilty to committing a negligent act under the Workplace Safety and Health Act. His failure to guarantee the safe execution of maintenance works led to this tragic incident that unfolded during the shutdown of the gas desulphurisation (GD) unit and the amine treating (AT) unit at the plant.
Trained in maintenance processes like system blinding and de-blinding, steam-out, and repair work follow-up, Ng was responsible for issuing permits related to this work. System blinding involves inserting spectacle blinds into pipelines to halt process flow and isolate specific units. On the fateful day, Palanivel and his colleague were assigned system blinding works on the GD unit, part of a routine maintenance every 4.5 years.
During the operation, a sudden release of low-pressurized hydrogen sulphide gas and hazardous liquid occurred when the workers re-tightened the bolts after inserting a spectacle blind. The gas overwhelmed Palanivel and his colleague, as well as the foreman who attempted to rescue them. All three collapsed, prompting a rescue operation that led them to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital.
Palanivel suffered partial chemical burns on 40% of his body surface area, with extensive blistering and peeling of the skin. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of stringent safety protocols in industrial settings and the severe consequences when such measures are neglected.
The tragic aftermath of a safety lapse at the Singapore Refining Company (SRC) on Jurong Island has resulted in the sentencing of Ng Teck Chuan, the supervisor responsible for a fatal incident during maintenance works. The court heard that due to Ng's negligence, hydrogen sulphide exposure led to the death of worker Palanivel Pandidurai, who suffered breathing injuries and multiple organ failures.
Palanivel's colleague and the foreman also experienced injuries, with superficial burns and chemical injuries. Investigations revealed that on the morning of September 17, 2020, Ng, as the permit-issuing authority, tasked a senior operations technician to prepare pipelines for system blinding works without ensuring proper safety measures. Despite not knowing the exact status of safety precautions, Ng issued a permit, violating SRC's safety regulations that mandated a thorough safety check before commencing work.
Prosecutor Low Qin Yi emphasized Ng's pivotal role in ensuring safety, particularly in addressing the foreseeable risk of hazardous gas release. Seeking a jail term of five to six months, Low asserted that Ng's actions ran counter to the Workplace Safety and Health Act's objective of deterring such offenses. Ng, in a supervisory capacity, was trained for this role and should have prioritized safety.
For committing a negligent act endangering others' safety, Ng faced a potential penalty of up to two years' imprisonment or a fine of up to S$30,000, or both. The sentencing underscores the gravity of neglecting safety protocols in the workplace, emphasizing the need for stringent adherence to regulations to prevent tragic consequences.
The sentencing of Ng Teck Chuan serves as a somber reminder of the profound consequences that can result from a lapse in workplace safety. The fatal incident at the Singapore Refining Company (SRC) on Jurong Island underscores the critical importance of stringent adherence to safety protocols, especially in industries dealing with hazardous materials.
The tragic loss of Palanivel Pandidurai's life and the injuries sustained by his colleagues highlight the far-reaching impact of neglecting safety measures. Ng's role as a supervisor, entrusted with ensuring the safety of maintenance works, magnifies the gravity of his negligence and the subsequent legal consequences.
Prosecutor Low Qin Yi's call for a deterrent sentence echoes the broader goal of the Workplace Safety and Health Act – discouraging individuals in supervisory roles from committing similar offenses. The courtroom proceedings draw attention to the imperative need for a culture of safety and strict adherence to regulations, emphasizing that the consequences of negligence extend beyond legal repercussions to human lives.
In the aftermath of this tragic incident, industries and supervisors alike are prompted to reevaluate their commitment to safety, fostering an environment where protocols are not just guidelines but unwavering safeguards against avoidable disasters. The courtroom's verdict reinforces the principle that prioritizing safety is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative that protects the well-being of every individual in the workplace.
