Ensuring safer SAF training

    SEVERAL new measures have been implemented to reduce the number of accidents during military training, said Second Minister for Defence, Rear-Adm (NS) Teo Chee Hean yesterday.

    He was responding to concerns raised by MPs Ong Chit Chung (Bukit Timah GRC) and Charles Chong (Pasir Ris GRC) about recent accidents.

    The number of deaths occurring during training in the armed forces, he said, had dropped from three in 1997 to one last year. The number of injuries requiring hospitalisations had similarly dropped from 72 to 50 in the same period.

    He added: "Any training injury or death is one too many for the SAF, and we will continue to inculcate safety consciousness and reduce injuries."

    Apart from the mandated safety courses and briefings, Mindef had also implemented some new measures:

• More safety-related activities such as seminars and exhibitions to promote safety consciousness.

• Unit commanders are given the authority to purchase safety-related equipment not on SAF inventory.

• More risk management courses for officers.

• Commanders are required to go through a structured process to assess potential hazards before starting training activities.

• Before drivers can drive alone overseas, they have to undergo at least four hours of day and two hours of night driving under supervision to orientate them to the terrain and traffic conditions.

• More driving simulators acquired.

• Mindef will subsidise half the costs of defensive motorcycle riding courses conducted by professional schools.

(taken from The Straits Times, 11/3/99)