Lift padding absence sparks controversy over construction workers’ lift ban in HDB block

Singapore — A Reddit thread highlighting an issue involving HDB lift ban for construction workers has been circulating, leaving some netizens upset. In the thread, a photo depicted construction workers being restricted from using a lift in an HDB block in Jurong due to a lack of lift padding.

The sign, which was posted for Home Improvement Programme (HIP) workers, read: “Do not use the lift to carry any Materials for HIP workers. Carry by STAIRCASE.” This Jurong construction workers staircase issue has become a matter of concern for many netizens.

“Is it just me or is it a little unreasonable to not provide an alternative to carry up building materials for over 10 flights of stairs? How is this WSHA approved?,” wrote a local Redditor in a thread posted on Friday (Dec 11).

Even though the post was updated to mention the removal of the sign, many netizens had the time to drop disapproving comments, further fuelling the Home Improvement Programme lift controversy.

One wrote: 

Others expressed similar views.

One commenter guessed that the problem stemmed from residents being unable to use the lift when they needed it.

There were also netizens who compared this situation with how migrant workers have been treated in their dormitories.

According to an article in Shin Min Daily News, the contractor placed the notice beside the lift at Jurong East Street 24. The lack of lift padding resulted in the current predicament.

Contrarily, private condominiums usually have a dedicated lift with proper lift padding for the renovation workers to use when people are moving in or out. This padding is required to prevent damage to the lift and other fixtures from heavy items or trolleys that carry construction materials.

In contrast, private condominiums usually have a dedicated lift for the renovation workers to use and when people are moving in or out.

These buildings also require renovation companies and movers to install padding in lifts as well as floor protection, which are usually made available in the condo.

Companies are required to use padding in lifts to prevent glass and other fixtures from being damaged by heavy items or trolleys that carry heavy materials, and floor protection is used to protect against damage to floor tiles in the lift, the lobby and the passageway from the car park.

In the HDB case mentioned earlier, Shin Min Daily News reported that residents had  complained to the staff at the HDB that they had often been unable to use the lift because it was used by the workers.

To address this, a temporary lift was then built for the use of the workers, hopefully with adequate lift padding. /TISG

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