Tag: Safety

Northshore Plaza Accident: Man Narrowly Escapes Severe Injuries as Drain Cover Collapses – Who Should Be Held Responsible?

On April 1st, a 36-year-old accountant, Mr. Xu, suffered injuries to his waist, knees, and ankles after falling into a 1.8-meter-deep drain outside Northshore Plaza in Punggol. He was with his children at the playground when he walked across some concrete drain covers to dispose of rubbish. One of the drain covers suddenly broke, causing Mr. Xu to fall into the drain. He compared the shocking experience to a free-fall ride at amusement parks.

schematic diagram

Thanks to his quick reflexes, Mr. Xu managed to break his fall and prevent more severe injuries. Two men nearby came to his aid, helping him out of the drain and offering to call an ambulance. Mr. Xu declined the offer, not wanting to frighten his children. He later informed the shopping mall’s management of the incident and warned others to avoid the area, which has since been cordoned off with a warning sign placed above the hole.

Mr. Xu expressed his concern that the consequences would have been much worse had an elderly person or a child fallen into the drain. The incident occurred near a playground bustling with playing children and skateboarders. He sustained an injury to his waist and scratches on his knees and ankles.

With regards to seeking compensation, it is essential to determine who is responsible for the maintenance and safety of the drain covers. If it can be proven that the shopping mall or another party was negligent in ensuring the drain covers’ safety, Mr. Xu might be entitled to seek compensation for his injuries.

Short-Term Accommodation Regulations in Singapore: Protecting Residential Communities

In Singapore, residential properties such as condominiums, walk-up apartments, flats, bungalows, semi-detached, and terrace houses are intended for long-term residence. As a result, using these properties for short-term accommodation, defined as stays of less than three consecutive months, is prohibited by law. This includes renting out properties as hotels, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, or homestays to short-term visitors, often done through online home-sharing platforms.

The purpose of this regulation is to ensure the safety, privacy, and security of homes and preserve the residential character of local communities. The frequent coming and going of short-term visitors can compromise these aspects.

Property owners and tenants are responsible for ensuring their properties are not used for short-term accommodation. Owners should exercise due diligence and regularly check their properties. Those found guilty of engaging in short-term accommodation face a minimum fine of up to $5,000. Recalcitrant individuals or those engaging in short-term accommodation at multiple properties may be taken to court, resulting in significantly heavier fines.

Management Corporations (MCSTs) play a crucial role in tightening security measures to minimize the occurrence of short-term accommodation activities in their developments. They can enhance visitor screening procedures, especially for those carrying luggage, and record details of their units and entry/exit dates.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) collaborates with MCSTs to investigate suspected short-term accommodation activities. Promptly providing accurate and up-to-date information to the URA is essential to expedite investigations and enforcement actions.

Visitors to Singapore should also be aware of these regulations. Those staying for less than three consecutive months have options such as hotels (no minimum stay duration) and serviced apartments (minimum stay duration of seven days). Visitors who choose to book short-term accommodation at private residential properties may be required to assist in investigations if found staying at the property during authorities’ checks. They may also face inconvenience and additional costs for alternative accommodation as some MCSTs and security officers actively enforce these regulations.