Singapore maintains a strong commitment to ensuring the safety and health of its workforce. A robust regulatory framework is in place to protect employees across various industries, aiming to prevent workplace accidents, injuries, and occupational diseases. Employers operating in Singapore are legally obligated to adhere to these comprehensive requirements, fostering a safe working environment for everyone.
Compliance with Singapore's workplace safety and health (WSH) standards is not merely a legal necessity but also a fundamental aspect of responsible business practice. It contributes to employee well-being, enhances productivity, and safeguards the company's reputation. Understanding and implementing the necessary protocols is crucial for any business employing staff in the country.
Health and Safety Laws and Regulatory Framework
The cornerstone of workplace safety and health in Singapore is the Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSH Act). This Act establishes the overarching duties of employers, employees, occupiers, and manufacturers/suppliers to ensure safety and health at work. It adopts a goal-setting approach, focusing on outcomes rather than prescribing specific methods, allowing flexibility while maintaining high safety standards.
The WSH Act is supported by numerous subsidiary regulations that provide more detailed requirements for specific hazards, industries, or activities. Key regulations include:
| Regulation | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| WSH (General Provisions) Regulations | General duties, welfare, hazardous substances, medical examinations |
| WSH (Risk Management) Regulations | Requirements for conducting risk assessments and implementing control measures |
| WSH (Safety and Health Management System and Auditing) Regulations | Requirements for establishing and maintaining WSH management systems |
| WSH (Construction) Regulations | Specific requirements for the construction industry |
| WSH (Factories) Regulations | Specific requirements for factory environments |
| WSH (Incident Reporting) Regulations | Procedures and thresholds for reporting workplace incidents |
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is the primary regulatory authority responsible for enforcing the WSH Act and its subsidiary regulations. MOM sets WSH policies, conducts inspections, investigates incidents, and promotes WSH awareness and capabilities.
Occupational Health and Safety Standards and Practices
Employers have a general duty under the WSH Act to take reasonably practicable measures to ensure the safety and health of their employees and others who may be affected by their work activities. This involves implementing various standards and practices.
A fundamental requirement is risk management. The WSH (Risk Management) Regulations mandate that every employer must conduct a risk assessment for all work activities carried out at their workplace. This process involves:
- Identifying potential hazards in the workplace.
- Evaluating the risks associated with these hazards (likelihood and severity).
- Implementing control measures to eliminate or reduce the risks to a level as low as reasonably practicable.
- Reviewing the risk assessment periodically or when there are significant changes.
Risk assessments must be documented and communicated to affected employees.
For certain workplaces or industries, establishing a Workplace Safety and Health Management System (WSHMS) is mandatory. A WSHMS is a systematic approach to managing WSH risks, ensuring continuous improvement in safety performance. It typically includes policies, planning, implementation, evaluation, and review processes.
Specific standards and practices also apply based on the nature of the work, such as requirements for working at height, confined space entry, handling hazardous substances, machinery safety, and ergonomic considerations.
Workplace Inspection Processes and Requirements
MOM inspectors conduct regular workplace inspections to ensure compliance with the WSH Act and regulations. Inspections can be scheduled or unannounced. Inspectors have the authority to enter workplaces, examine records, interview personnel, and take necessary actions, including issuing notices or stop-work orders, if non-compliance or imminent danger is found.
Employers must cooperate fully with inspectors during an inspection. This includes providing access to all relevant areas, documents (such as risk assessments, training records, maintenance logs), and personnel. Maintaining accurate and up-to-date documentation is crucial for demonstrating compliance during inspections.
Common areas reviewed during inspections include:
- Effectiveness of risk control measures
- Maintenance of machinery and equipment
- Proper storage of materials, especially hazardous ones
- Availability and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Emergency preparedness and fire safety measures
- Adequacy of WSH training and supervision
- Proper documentation of WSH activities
Workplace Accident Protocols and Reporting
In the event of a workplace accident, injury, or occupational disease, specific protocols must be followed. The immediate priority is to provide first aid and medical attention to the injured person and secure the accident scene to prevent further incidents.
Employers are required to investigate all workplace incidents to determine their root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. The depth of the investigation should be proportionate to the severity of the incident.
Reporting workplace incidents to MOM is mandatory under the WSH (Incident Reporting) Regulations. The reporting requirements depend on the severity of the incident:
| Incident Type | Reporting Requirement |
|---|---|
| Fatal Accident | Report immediately (within 10 hours) to MOM |
| Major Injury | Report within 10 hours to MOM |
| Dangerous Occurrence | Report within 10 hours to MOM |
| Minor Injury (resulting in >3 days MC/hospitalisation) | Report within 10 days to MOM |
| Occupational Disease | Report within 10 days of diagnosis by a registered medical practitioner to MOM |
Reporting is typically done through the MOM's WSH Incident Reporting System (WSHIRS). Failure to report incidents as required is an offense.
Employer and Employee Responsibilities for Workplace Safety
Ensuring a safe workplace is a shared responsibility between employers and employees.
Employer Responsibilities:
- Provide a safe working environment and safe systems of work.
- Conduct risk assessments and implement control measures.
- Ensure machinery and equipment are safe and properly maintained.
- Provide adequate instruction, training, and supervision to employees.
- Provide necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure its use.
- Develop and implement WSH policies and procedures.
- Establish a WSH committee or appoint a WSH coordinator if required by regulations based on workplace size or industry. A Workplace Safety and Health Committee is mandatory for certain workplaces (e.g., factories with 50 or more employees, construction sites with contract sum > S$10 million). The committee's role is to promote WSH, conduct inspections, and investigate incidents.
- Maintain proper documentation of WSH activities, including risk assessments, training records, inspection reports, accident reports, and maintenance records.
Employee Responsibilities:
- Take reasonable care for their own safety and health and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
- Cooperate with the employer and follow WSH instructions, policies, and procedures.
- Properly use safety devices and PPE provided.
- Report any unsafe act or condition, including workplace hazards and incidents, to the employer.
- Do not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided for WSH purposes.
Comprehensive training is a key component of both employer and employee responsibilities. Employers must ensure employees are adequately trained for the tasks they perform, including general WSH awareness and specific training related to hazards they may encounter. Employees must participate in training and apply what they learn.
