What is the difference between a fall prevention plan and a permit-to-work?
A fall prevention plan is a documented, site-specific plan covering policy, responsibilities, risk controls, procedures, equipment, inspection, training, incident investigation and emergency response. It sets the system for the whole site. A permit-to-work is a task-level control: before each piece of hazardous work at height, a supervisor applies, a WAH safety assessor checks the measures on site, and an authorised manager issues a permit that is reviewed daily. Occupiers of specified workplaces, including any worksite, must have the plan; the permit applies in factories.
From the RRD Field Guide, checked against the sources cited in Work at Height Law in Singapore: Owner, Occupier and MCST Liability Explained. General information, not advice for your project.
The fuller picture
In Singapore, anyone who controls premises (the occupier), employs workers, or engages contractors (a principal) carries duties under the Workplace Safety and Health Act 2006. The Work at Heights Regulations 2013 require guard-rails where a fall exceeds 2 m and a permit-to-work in factories, including construction worksites, where a fall exceeds 3 m. Breaches can cost up to S$50,000 per regulation offence.
More questions on this topic
- Is an MCST legally responsible if a contractor's worker falls from the roof?
- At what height do I need a permit-to-work in Singapore?
- Does bizSAFE Level 3 prove a contractor is safe to work at height?
- What happens after a serious fall at my building?
- Can an MCST transfer all safety liability to the contractor by contract?
- What does 100% tie-off mean?
- Are the penalties for work at height breaches higher now?