MINDEF: Independent Investigations into training deaths

We thank Dr Anne Chong Su Yan for her letter titled "Bring in external auditors from other armies to look into any death or accident" dated 3 September 2011.

The safety and well-being of our national servicemen is a top priority for MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Each time an incident occurs, the SAF conducts a thorough investigation to take immediate measures to address lapses that had led to the incident, and to hold those responsible accountable. If the incident should involve a national serviceman's death, a Committee of Inquiry, chaired by a senior civil servant from outside MINDEF, would also be convened to conduct a full and independent investigation into the cause of the death, and to recommend measures to prevent future occurrences. In addition, the Police and the Coroner may also conduct a separate and independent investigation into the incident.

The SAF has in place a Safety System certified in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS). Adhered to by established militaries and companies worldwide, OHSAS provides a comprehensive system of safety management based on an internationally certified set of standard procedures which are designed to systematically manage risk in all work processes. The SAF constantly upkeeps the OHSAS standards and its Safety System is subjected to annual audits by an independent external agency.

MINDEF and the SAF will constantly look for ways to keep our Safety System up-to-date and relevant to ensure the safety and well-being of our national servicemen.

Colonel Desmond Tan
Director, Public Affairs
Ministry of Defence

MINDEF's reply was published as "Full, independent investigation in case of death: Mindef", The Straits Times, 07 Sep 11