Back to Name List
Now you are viewing:
Name: Ong Wei Hao Nicholas
Country: Singapore
Country: Singapore
About Ong Wei Hao Nicholas
I am Nicholas Ong, an experienced ground up safety professional that exhibit a unique blend of dedication and passion for Workplace Safety and Health, coupled with technical knowledge and exceptional leadership skills from my professional experience in the Oil & Gas, Construction, and Rail sector.
Leading the new SMRT Thomson-East Coast Line’s (TEL) Safety and Quality team. My team and I play a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of commuters, SMRT staff ,and all who work within TEL’s stations, depot, and tunnels.
As one of the leaders of TEL’s pioneering team since 2019, being instrumental in establishing strong safety, quality systems, and culture through different stages – project, operations, and maintenance.
List the Safety and Health achievements/contributions you have achieved in 2023.
In 2023, I received recognition through several avenues, including the Workplace Safety and Health Officer Awards, where my contributions were acknowledged.
Honoured to be invited as a speaker at events like the SMRT Trains Safety Forum and the 21st Singapore Institution of Safety Officers (SISO) Annual Workplace Safety and Health Officer (WSHO) Conference, allowing me to share insights and expertise with industry peers.
Additionally, I am a safety professional member of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) Singapore Workgroup, contributing to discussions and initiatives.
In terms of events, leading the SMRT TEL Safety and Security Symposium 2023 with the SSQ team. This involved managing exhibitors and presenters to ensure a seamless experience for all. Furthermore, my colleagues and I collaborated with the Singapore Civil Defence Force to create an impactful skit titled "Saving Lives, Moving Hearts", featuring Community First Responders.
Outline the Workplace Safety and Health initiatives that have been implemented by you in your workplace in 2023.
- Successful completion of the first cycle of the Total Workplace Safety and Health (TWSH) Programme by SMRT TEL Pte Ltd.
- Organised a systems thinking habits for transformative changes course specifically tailored for senior leaders, champions, and supervisory personnel, emphasising a holistic approach to safety management.
- Collaborating with external WSH trainer to explore Kaizen for Safety practices and raising awareness of the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Code of Practice 2022 with SMRT TEL Leaders.
- Elevate skillset of maintenance staff through IPAF e-Learning/VR courses, focusing on crucial areas such as Site Assessment, MEWP for Managers, and PAL+ Advanced MEWP Operator.
- Industry engagement through facilitating a visit for the SMRT TEL Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Committee to the SCAL Academy, where we explored state-of-the-art simulator facilities and VR technology.
- Conducted refresher training on Personal Fall Arrest System Inspection, highlighting the importance of equipment inspection, maintenance, and storage regime.
- Emphasised health and wellness through our Lunch and Learn event series in collaboration with the Health Promotion Board and Enterprise Sports Group. These sessions covered critical topics such as chronic disease management, mental health & well-being, and strategies to master your metabolism.
- Spearheading Kaizen for Safety projects, implementing initiatives like a portable safety notification board, advanced Personnel Monitoring & Alert Systems for forklift operations, and establishing permanent working platform for maintenance activities at the VSS ITB @ TE16 Havelock Station. These efforts underscore our dedication to continuous improvement and maintaining safety excellence across all aspects of our operations.
Describe and support in detail on how your influencing capability has assisted in the successful implementation of these initiatives.
As a people leader that rely on several core elements which encompass Communication, Empowerment, Trust, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Resilience to embrace diverse team by enhancing their capabilities and achieve positive outcomes in continuous improvement of various initiatives.
Establishing a culture of proactive safety leadership among our Kaizen for Safety team members through our regular open discussions and feedback that revolved around addressing problem statement, reviewing current provisions, and exploring technological advancements in the market.
By always maintaining a friendly and approachable demeanour even when facing challenging situations arising from obtaining budget for project funding, dealing with unforeseen implementation challenges, addressing resistance towards change management, meeting required specifications, or managing the intricacies of safety issue.
The continuous process of learning and unlearning that I engage in significantly boosts my ability to influence and lead successful initiatives, enabling me to stay ahead, foresee challenges, and innovate solutions effectively alongside the team.
Describe and provide support on how your initiative impacted the Safety and Health management and performance of your workplace/community/industry that was above and beyond.
Overall, these initiatives collectively contribute to a safer, healthier, and more efficient workplace environment showcasing a proactive and dedicated approach to safety and health management and performance.
- Demonstrated commitment and laying a strong foundation for a culture of safety excellence and regulatory compliance.
- Fostered a holistic approach by encouraging strategic thinking and proactive risk management at all levels of leadership.
- Implemented innovative safety measures, encouraging ongoing enhancements and adherence to updated WSH standards thereby enhancing safety awareness among leaders.
- Ensuring competence in critical areas like equipment operation and safety protocols to reduce risks, enhancing operational efficiency, and emergency response.
- Leveraged external partnerships and latest technology, enriching safety practices with insights from industry experts, and immersive training experiences.
- Promotes a culture of well-being, addressing physical and mental health concerns through informative sessions to enhance overall staff welfare and productivity.
I am a firm believer of ACE framework as it encompasses three fundamental pillars: Attitude, Competency, and Empowerment.
Emphasises the importance of fostering a positive safety attitude, developing and upholding proficiency in safety practices, and empowering all stakeholders to play an active role in creating a safe and healthy work environment. When these three pillars are integrated into the organisational culture, they form a solid foundation for achieving safety excellence and driving continuous improvement.
In your opinion, what are the attributes of a safety influencer? Do share with us on how you have demonstrated these attributes in your daily work that will earn you the recognition of a WSHAsia Safety Influencer Award Winner in your workplace/community/industry.
A safety influencer shall radiate positivity, enthusiasm, and genuine concern for others' safety and well-being with their unique approach to meet the everchanging landscape. The critical element is the integration of heart skills and active involvement to complement human factors.
Being a reliable and dependable stalwart leader to various internal and external stakeholders by setting an exemplary example highlighting importance of proactive risk management, collaborative approaches, continuous development, and effective communication.
Always exploring new technologies, techniques, best practices, and industry exchanges to improve generative outcomes towards safety, health, and mental wellness challenges.
During my safety journey, I am blessed to have exceptional leaders providing guidance, feedback, and mentorship. As a result, I emulate this approach by inspiring and supporting my social circle including friends and colleagues to aspiring safety professionals with encouragement and valuable support.