Preparedness of Employers with Workers Performing Prolonged Outdoor Work for Potential Severe Haze Episode

49 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Acting Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry has assessed the preparedness of employers in sectors involving prolonged outdoor work for a potential severe haze episode this year, including the availability of appropriate respiratory protective equipment and workplace response plans.

Ms Jasmin Lau: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) assesses employers' management of workplace safety and health (WSH) risks, including adherence to the haze guidelines, as part of its regular inspections of work sites. The guidelines set out that employers should review their preparations during a period of heightened haze risk. This includes identifying types of outdoor work to be reduced, conducting mask fit testing for workers undertaking work outdoors and ensuring at least a one-week supply of N95 masks for business continuity. Where there is egregious non-compliance with the guidelines, MOM may take enforcement action under the WSH Act, including stop-work orders and composition fines.

In view of the heightened risk of haze in the second half of the year, MOM has proactively issued an advisory reminding employers to follow the haze guidelines to protect their employees ahead of the haze season.