Heat Stroke and Dehydration Cases in Last Three Years and Measures to Protect Workers Against Excessive Heat
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the impact of heat stress on worker safety and productivity, with Ms Anthea Ong inquiring about injury statistics and protective measures. Minister for Manpower Josephine Teo reported 10 heat stress cases over three years and highlighted the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) guidelines on risk assessment and worker acclimatization. These guidelines require employers to provide regular rest breaks in shaded areas, accessible drinking water, and education on heat-related symptoms. Minister for Manpower Josephine Teo noted that the WSH Council promotes these measures through bulletins and the Total WSH Programme. She clarified that heat-related incidents are reportable, with requirements expanding from September 2020 to cover any instance of medical leave or light duty.
Transcript
13 Ms Anthea Ong asked the Minister for Manpower (a) how does heat stress arising from climate change impact upon work productivity; (b) what is the number of heat stroke and dehydration cases in the last three years; (c) how does the Ministry ensure that employers in construction, marine and public works protect workers against excessive heat; (d) whether the Ministry will consider requiring employers to record incidents of heat stroke and dehydration; and (e) whether the Ministry will develop workplace guidelines on heat stress, including that requiring of higher water intake and longer rest periods for affected employees.
Mrs Josephine Teo: In the last three years, 10 workers suffered injuries caused by heat stress or work-related heat disorders, of which one was fatal. They comprised less than 0.03% of all workplace injuries and occupational diseases in the same period.
MOM together with the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council, has developed the WSH Guidelines on Managing Heat Stress in the Workplace. The guidelines inform employers to conduct risk assessments associated with heat stress and the precautionary actions they should take to prevent heat stress at work. These include acclimatising newly arrived workers who come from colder climates, providing regular rest breaks at shaded areas, making cool drinking water accessible, and educating workers on the symptoms and seriousness of heat-related disorders.
The WSH Council has also been disseminating information on heat-related safety and health risks through its website, the WSH bulletin1, as well as collaterals such as the Heat Stroke Card. Heat stress is also included in the WSH Council's Total WSH Programme. Total WSH consultants are expected to advise companies on what they can do to protect workers from heat stress.
Heat stroke and dehydration are already included in the types of work incidents that are reportable. From 1 September 2020, the reporting requirement will be extended to incidents that result in any instance of MC or light duty.